Salvia cuttings

Salvias are a large group of plants popular for adding colour to borders in late summer. The perennial types vary in hardiness so a good way to safeguard against winter losses is to root cuttings. This is simple to do and it is satisfying to share these long-flowering plants with friends.

Save to My scrapbook
Salvia x jamensis 'La Luna'. Image: RHS/Tim Sandall
Salvia x jamensis 'La Luna'. Image: RHS/Tim Sandall

Quick facts

Suitable for: All salvias
Timing: Late summer or early autumn
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Jump to

When to take cuttings

Take

cuttings in August or September. The growth may still be soft or just beginning to harden (semi-ripe).

 

How to take cuttings

Taking salvia cuttings is relatively easy and straight forward, just follow these simple steps:

3 / 3
3. Dip the base into a rooting hormone compound and insert into a 15cm (6in) pot of gritty, cuttings compost five to eight cuttings per pot. Water in and place in a propagator or cover with a clear, plastic bag. Keep at room temperature until rooted and overwinter in a frost-free place.
1 / 3
1. With a sharp knife or secateurs, cut several stems from non-flowering shoots in late summer and place in a plastic bag. Collect material in the morning when it is at its most hydrated.
2 / 3
2. Use a knife to prepare the final cuttings. Trim each cutting just below a leaf and carefully cut or pinch off the leaves from the lower half. Only use material from the shoot tips. Each cutting should be around 5-8cm (2-3in) in length.
3 / 3
3. Dip the base into a rooting hormone compound and insert into a 15cm (6in) pot of gritty, cuttings compost five to eight cuttings per pot. Water in and place in a propagator or cover with a clear, plastic bag. Keep at room temperature until rooted and overwinter in a frost-free place.
1 / 3
1. With a sharp knife or secateurs, cut several stems from non-flowering shoots in late summer and place in a plastic bag. Collect material in the morning when it is at its most hydrated.
2 / 3
2. Use a knife to prepare the final cuttings. Trim each cutting just below a leaf and carefully cut or pinch off the leaves from the lower half. Only use material from the shoot tips. Each cutting should be around 5-8cm (2-3in) in length.
prev
next

Problems

There are very few problems associated with taking salvia cuttings, but blackleg can occur if water, pots, compost or tools are unsterilised.

Gardeners' calendar

Find out what to do this month with our gardeners' calendar

Advice from the RHS

Get involved

The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.