This reliable method of reproducing trees, shrubs and hedging plants is quick and easy
Many deciduous trees and shrubs are easily propagated from hardwood cuttings. Cornus, Salix, Populus, Buddleja and rosesare good examples. These are taken in the dormant season after leaf fall, avoiding periods of severe frost. Although this type of cutting may be slow to develop roots and shoots, it is usually successful. The cuttings can generally be forgotten about until the following year.
The cut surface undergoes a period of callusing over the winter from which roots will appear in the spring. In some species warmth is needed in the early stages to encourage callus formation.
How to take them
Select woody shoots that have had a full growing season to mature. Cut one year's growth from the plant, removing the soft tip. The stem should be about pencil thickness. Any material showing signs of damage by pest or disease should be avoided.
Cut into sections 15-30cm (6-12in) in length cutting cleanly above a bud at the top, with a sloping cut. Cut straight across at the base below a bud. Dip the prepared cutting material in a rooting hormone.
Cuttings of species that root easily can be planted directly out of doors in a sheltered site with well-drained soil. Place cuttings in a trench with a layer of sand in the base. Check the trench after frost and firm back if required. Cuttings should be left in place until the following autumn ensuring that they do not dry out.
The cuttings are inserted in the ground with two-thirds of the cutting below ground as they will root along the stem. A few buds remain above the ground to allow the plant to grow away in spring.
Alternatively, the cuttings can be inserted into deep containers of general-purpose compost. Keep the pots in a sheltered cold frame until the following autumn, ensuring that they do not dry out.
If
outdoor conditions are unsuitable or for slow rooting plants, bundles of 10 to 12 cuttings can be heeled into a frame filled with moist sand until the spring. Towards the end of March to early April, before the buds break make a trench 12.5cm (5in) deep and line out the cuttings 10-15cm (4-6in) apart at the same depth as overwinter (two-thirds submerged). If you need more than one row, space them 30-40cm (12-16in) apart. Firm the soil around the cuttings.
The following autumn the cuttings should have rooted and can be planted out or potted on as required.