Easy winter propagation

Root cuttings are easy and reliable, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

ALTHOUGH we regard spring, summer and autumn as the best time to take cuttings, there is a mode of herbaceous perennial propagation that we can do in winter, when plants are dormant.

Taking root cuttings is an easy technique used between November and early March. It can be carried out on several varieties, including Oriental poppies, Japanese anemones, phlox, hardy geraniums and verbascum.

As well as being a relatively easy task, plants grown from root cuttings develop under the soil, so are less prone to pests and diseases.

If the plant is mature and has a substantial rootball, you can also create several new plants from one parent.

Only choose healthy, pencil-thick roots and remove no more than a third of the entire root system otherwise you will weaken the parent plant, which should be returned to the soil immediately after the cuttings are taken, and watered well.