5 Beginner Friendly Perennials to Propagate from Cuttings

Summer is the perfect time to take softwood or semi-ripe cuttings — when plants are full of energy, and roots form fast with a bit of warmth and care. If you’re new to plant propagation, don’t worry — these five perennials are beginner-friendly, forgiving, and super rewarding to grow from cuttings.

1. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

Hydrangeas root beautifully from softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in early to mid-summer. Choose a non-flowering shoot around 10–15cm long, snip just below a node, and remove lower leaves. They do best in a light, free-draining compost with high humidity — cover with a plastic bag or pop into a propagator. You’ll usually see roots in a few weeks!

✅ Big reward for little effort
✅ Great for creating hedge-like borders over time

2. Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)

Yes, you can propagate blueberries from cuttings! Go for semi-ripe stems in summer — not too soft, not too woody. Cut just below a node, strip the bottom leaves, and place in a mix of peat-free compost and perlite. Blueberries take a little longer to root than some others, but they’re well worth the wait.

✅ Produces fruit for years
✅ Great for containers or acidic borders

3. Penstemon

Penstemons are one of the easiest perennials to grow from cuttings — and summer is the ideal time. Take a softwood cutting from a non-flowering stem, remove lower leaves, and root it in moist compost. These strike fast and will often flower the same year if taken early enough.

✅ Long flowering period
✅ Loved by bees and pollinators

4. Salvia (Salvia nemorosa or microphylla types)

Salvias are a joy to propagate. Take a non-flowering shoot, about 10–15cm long, and root it in gritty compost. Salvias love warmth and will root quickly in summer. Just keep an eye on moisture levels — damp, not soggy, is the key.

✅ Drought-tolerant and low maintenance
✅ Adds bold summer colour to beds and borders

5. Rose (Rosa spp.)

Roses might seem tricky, but many root well from summer cuttings — especially shrub and climbing varieties. Take a semi-ripe cutting from just below a faded bloom, remove the lower leaves, and pop it into a gritty compost mix. A clear bottle over the top helps hold in humidity while it roots.

✅ Great for multiplying favourites or sentimental varieties
✅ A rewarding, long-term garden addition

✂️ Quick Tips for Propagation Success:

  • Use clean, sharp tools

  • Cut just below a leaf node

  • Strip lower leaves to reduce moisture loss

  • Keep compost damp, not waterlogged

  • Cover with clear plastic or a propagator lid to keep humidity high

Give one (or all!) of these a go, and before you know it, you’ll have a garden full of homegrown perennials — for free!

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