August is the last chance to take cuttings of these 7 flowers and shrubs for propagation before the summer propagation window closes:
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August is an optimal time for gardeners to multiply their favourite shrubs and perennials, as the growth produced during this month is semi-ripe, making it perfect for propagation.
In this article, we'll guide you through the process of propagating a selection of popular plants, including rosemary, lantana, potentilla, ribes, lavender, forsythia, and sage.
Rosemary
Take 3-4 inch softwood (semi-ripe) tip cuttings from healthy green growth. Strip the lower leaves and place them in a perlite or sandy mix. Cover with a plastic bag to retain humidity, and rooting usually takes 2-4 weeks.
Lantana
Use semi-hardwood cuttings about 4-6 inches long, remove the lower leaves, and dip the base in rooting hormone before placing it in moist soil or perlite. Keep in a warm area with indirect light.
Potentilla
Semi-hardwood cuttings work best for potentilla. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy growth, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, and keep in a humid, shaded spot for 4-6 weeks.
Ribes
Take semi-hardwood cuttings of approximately 4-6 inches. Prepare them like other woody shrubs with rooting hormone and place them in well-draining soil or medium. Maintain humidity and avoid direct sunlight.
Lavender
Use semi-ripe (semi-hardwood) cuttings of 3-5 inches. Strip lower leaves and place them in coarse sand or perlite. Rooting might take 3-6 weeks, ideally avoiding soggy conditions to prevent rot.
Forsythia
Take 6-inch semi-hardwood cuttings. Root them outdoors in shaded areas or under a plastic cover to maintain humidity. Rooting time is generally 4-6 weeks.
Sage
Use semi-ripe cuttings of around 3-4 inches. Remove lower leaves, dip the base in rooting hormone, and root them in moist sandy soil or perlite, keeping cuttings in indirect light and high humidity.
General propagation tips include using clean, sharp pruning shears, taking cuttings in the morning when plants are well hydrated, using rooting hormone to increase success rates, especially with woody shrubs, covering cuttings with a plastic bag or dome to keep humidity high, placing cuttings in bright, indirect light but not direct sun, and keeping the rooting medium moist but not waterlogged.
By following these methods, you can successfully multiply these plants in August, as this month offers ideal semi-ripe wood and warm conditions for rooting. Happy propagating!
[1] The Spruce, Propagating Shrubs in August [2] Garden Myths, August Plant Propagation
In the garden lifestyle, gardeners can multiply their rosemary, lantana, potentilla, ribes, lavender, forsythia, and sage plants effectively in August by using semi-ripe cuttings, and rooting hormone for the woody shrubs. Proper care and warm conditions during this home-and-garden activity result in successful propagation and growth of these plants.
