How to grow shrubs from summer softwood cuttings
Now is a great time to increase your number of shrubs for free
Midsummer is an ideal time to take softwood cuttings from your favourite shrubs to grow more of these expensive plants for free. It’s easy, fun and very rewarding when you see your new plants growing happily. With slightly less to do in the garden at this time of the year, it’s a leisurely morning task.
I find shoots are still green and considered ‘softwood’ in midsummer but definitely have a bit of firmness to them as the stems begin their hardening process. It’s these shoots I personally have a lot of success with, but it’s also due to the warmer conditions and longer daylight at this time of year.
Step one: cut 10-15cm lengths of strong healthy stems
It’s best to take soft wood cuttings in the morning when the stems are full of water and before the heat of the day has impacted them. If it’s rained overnight, even better. Use a clean pair of scissors or secateurs. Scissors might be sli…