Taking delicate cuttings

Masterclass on: taking cuttings of tender plants

- ANNE SWITHINBANK

Q I know that some of the plants I have bought this year, such as French lavender and African daisies, may not survive winter. Should I be taking cuttings of them now, and where do I keep the cuttings over winter? Sam Pritchard, St Albans, Herts.

A Now is a good time to anticipate winter losses and take action. In drier parts of the country and on sandy, well-drained soil, French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and its cultivars may well come through winter, but in wetter areas or on heavier soils, they suffer from dampness and waterlogging.

Other tender perennials such as some African daisies (Osteospermums), marguerites (Argyranthemum), pelargoniums, heliotropes and lemon verbena are not hardy enough to survive long periods of sub-zero temperatures. There is an argument for leaving plants in, taking a chance, and buying new and perhaps different ones to ring the changes next spring. Yet we will often take a liking to individual plants - and striking cuttings is fun and satisfying.