Propagating plants from softwood cuttings is a rewarding and cost-effective way to expand your garden. Softwood cuttings are taken from the tender, new growth of a plant, usually in late spring or early summer. This method is particularly popular because it allows gardeners to clone their favorite plants, ensuring that the new plants will have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
In this article, we will explore 20 top plants that can be propagated from softwood cuttings. These plants are chosen for their ease of propagation and their popularity in gardens. Whether you’re looking to add aromatic herbs, vibrant flowers, or hardy shrubs to your garden, there’s something here for every gardener.
1. Lavender: Aromatic and Easy to Grow
Lavender is a beloved herb known for its fragrant flowers and foliage. To propagate lavender from softwood cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering shoot about 4-6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it in a warm, sunny location. With proper care, roots should develop in 3-4 weeks.
2. Rosemary: A Culinary Favorite
Rosemary is a versatile herb used in cooking and as an ornamental plant. To propagate rosemary, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering stem. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a sandy, well-draining soil mix and place it in a bright spot. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and roots should form within 4-6 weeks.
3. Hydrangea: Beautiful Blooms
Hydrangeas are known for their large, showy flower clusters. To propagate hydrangeas, take a 5-6 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering shoot. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a moist, well-draining potting mix and cover it with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Place it in indirect light, and roots should develop in 3-4 weeks.
4. Fuchsia: Vibrant and Eye-Catching
Fuchsias are prized for their vibrant, pendulous flowers. To propagate fuchsia, take a 3-5 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering shoot. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it in a warm, shaded area. Maintain high humidity by covering with a plastic bag, and roots should form in 2-3 weeks.
5. Forsythia: Early Spring Bloomer
Forsythia is one of the first shrubs to bloom in spring, with bright yellow flowers. To propagate forsythia, take a 6-8 inch cutting from a healthy shoot. Remove the leaves from the lower half and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a sandy, well-draining soil mix and place it in a sunny location. Keep the soil moist, and roots should develop in 4-6 weeks.
6. Butterfly Bush: Attracts Pollinators
Butterfly bush is known for its long, fragrant flower spikes that attract butterflies and other pollinators. To propagate, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering shoot. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and place it in a sunny spot. Keep the soil moist, and roots should form in 3-4 weeks.
7. Geranium: Versatile and Hardy
Geraniums are popular for their colorful flowers and ease of care. To propagate, take a 4-5 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering stem. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and place it in a bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist, and roots should develop in 2-3 weeks.
8. Boxwood: Classic Landscaping Choice
Boxwood is a classic choice for hedges and topiary. To propagate, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering shoot. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a sandy, well-draining soil mix and place it in a shaded area. Keep the soil moist, and roots should form in 4-6 weeks.
9. Dogwood: Ornamental Beauty
Dogwoods are admired for their beautiful flowers and foliage. To propagate, take a 6-8 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering shoot. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and place it in a bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist, and roots should develop in 4-6 weeks.
10. Spirea: Low Maintenance Shrub
Spirea is a low-maintenance shrub with clusters of small flowers. To propagate, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering shoot. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and place it in a sunny location. Keep the soil moist, and roots should form in 3-4 weeks.
11. Weigela: Colorful and Hardy
Weigela is known for its tubular flowers and hardiness. To propagate, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering shoot. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and place it in a sunny spot. Keep the soil moist, and roots should develop in 3-4 weeks.
12. Currant: Edible and Decorative
Currants are valued for their edible berries and ornamental appeal. To propagate, take a 6-8 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering shoot. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and place it in a sunny location. Keep the soil moist, and roots should form in 4-6 weeks.
13. Philodendron: Popular Houseplant
Philodendrons are popular houseplants known for their lush foliage. To propagate, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in water or a well-draining potting mix. Keep it in a bright, indirect light, and roots should develop in 2-3 weeks.
14. Coleus: Colorful Foliage
Coleus is prized for its vibrant, colorful foliage. To propagate, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering shoot. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in water or a well-draining potting mix. Keep it in a bright, indirect light, and roots should form in 2-3 weeks.
15. Salvia: Long-Lasting Blooms
Salvia is known for its long-lasting blooms and aromatic foliage. To propagate, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering shoot. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and place it in a sunny spot. Keep the soil moist, and roots should develop in 3-4 weeks.
16. Oleander: Mediterranean Charm
Oleander is a Mediterranean plant known for its showy flowers. To propagate, take a 6-8 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering shoot. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a sandy, well-draining soil mix and place it in a sunny location. Keep the soil moist, and roots should form in 4-6 weeks.
17. Camellia: Elegant and Timeless
Camellias are admired for their elegant flowers and glossy foliage. To propagate, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering shoot. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and place it in a shaded area. Keep the soil moist, and roots should develop in 6-8 weeks.
18. Azalea: Springtime Favorite
Azaleas are a springtime favorite with their vibrant blooms. To propagate, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering shoot. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and place it in a shaded area. Keep the soil moist, and roots should form in 6-8 weeks.
19. Deutzia: Compact and Flowering
Deutzia is a compact shrub with clusters of small flowers. To propagate, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering shoot. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and place it in a sunny location. Keep the soil moist, and roots should develop in 3-4 weeks.
20. Viburnum: Versatile and Fragrant
Viburnum is a versatile shrub known for its fragrant flowers and berries. To propagate, take a 6-8 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering shoot. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and place it in a sunny spot. Keep the soil moist, and roots should form in 4-6 weeks.
