During April, the strong basal shoots of herbaceous perennials make easy, quick-rooting cuttings. The tall forms of phlox are ideal candidates, and gardeners have long propagated them in this way to share with friends and neighbours. From July, you'll see many gardens awash with their pink, purple and white flowers, and their perfume fills the evening air.

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By taking your own basal cuttings, you can make lots of new plants, which gives you plenty of scope to try out different planting ideas. And you can use this technique on all manner of beautiful border perennials.

You Will Need

  • A sharp knife
  • A dibber or chopstick
  • Sharp grit
  • Clear plastic bag

Total time : 30 minutes


Step 1

Taking a basal cutting
Taking a basal cutting

Select a plant with plenty of strong basal shoots, 10-12cm long, and choose three or four for your cuttings. Make a clean cut, severing the shoot as near to the base as possible.


Step 2

Trimming the cutting with a knife
Trimming the cutting with a knife

Neaten the cut if necessary, then use a sharp knife to remove any basal leaves that may end up under the compost surface. Pinch out the top with your nails.

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Step 3

Using the dibber to insert the cutting
Using the dibber to insert the cutting

Use a dibber or chopstick to ease the cuttings into the compost, sinking them to at least 2.5cm deep. Cuttings will root most readily if placed around the edge.


Step 4

Watering the cuttings
Watering the cuttings

Cover the compost surface with sharp grit to discourage weeds and retain moisture. Water and mist the cuttings frequently to cut down on loss of moisture through the leaves.


Step 5

Cuttings in a plastic bag
Cuttings in a plastic bag
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Place a clear plastic bag over your cuttings after watering to keep them damp.

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