Summer is an ideal time to take softwood cuttings from penstemons. These will root quickly to give you new plants for next year's border. Select non-flowering shoots from the plants, cutting them off first thing in the morning.

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Discover how to take penstemon cuttings, below.

You Will Need

  • Penstemon
  • Secateurs
  • Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
  • 10cm pot
  • Clear polythene bags

Total time: 15 minutes

Step 1

Cutting the penstemon stem
Cutting the penstemon stem

Use sharp secateurs to cut just below a leaf joint, about 10cm from the tip of your shoot. Then, strip off the lower leaves.

Step 2

Penstemon cuttings in compost
Penstemon cuttings in compost

Insert the cuttings into compost around the edges of the pot, where drainage is better.

Step 3

Watering the penstemon cuttings
Watering the penstemon cuttings
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Water well and keep the cuttings in humid conditions, such as inside a plastic bag.

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