Propagating Hardwood Cuttings - A Late Winter Guide

By late winter, many gardeners feel they’ve already tackled the main February jobs. But there is still one very worthwhile task that fits perfectly into this quieter window — taking hardwood cuttings. It’s simple, satisfying and a great way to increase your stock of shrubs, climbers and fruit plants at very little cost.

What you’ll need

Before you start, gather everything you need so the cuttings can be taken and planted without delay:

• Sharp, clean secateurs
• A spade or trowel
• Pots or a prepared bed in the garden
• Free-draining compost (multi-purpose with added grit or sand works well)
• Grit or coarse sand for drainage
• Plant labels and a waterproof marker
• Optional: rooting hormone powder or gel

Plants suitable for hardwood cuttings

Many deciduous trees, shrubs and climbers root readily from hardwood cuttings. Some reliable and commonly grown examples in Irish gardens include:

• Currants (black, red and white)
• Honeysuckle
• Willow
• Dogwood (Cornus)
• Forsythia
• Hydrangea
• Ribes (ornamental flowering currants)
• Philadelphus (mock orange)
• Weigela
• Viburnum
• Grape vines
• Roses (many shrub and rambling types)

As a general rule, if a plant is deciduous and produces strong, straight shoots each year, it’s often a good candidate for hardwood propagation.

How to take hardwood cuttings

Choose healthy, pencil-thick shoots from last season’s growth. Avoid weak, damaged or very thin stems.

1. Cut sections approximately 20–30cm (8–12in) long.
2. Make the bottom cut just below a bud, cutting straight across.
3. Make the top cut just above a bud, at a slight angle — this helps shed water and reminds you which end is up.
4. Remove any soft tips if present.

If using rooting hormone, dip the base of each cutting lightly before planting, tapping off any excess.

Planting your cuttings

Hardwood cuttings can be planted directly into a prepared bed outdoors or into deep pots.

Use a free-draining mix and insert each cutting so that roughly two-thirds of its length is below the soil, with at least one or two buds remaining above the surface. Firm the soil well around each cutting to eliminate air pockets.

If planting in the ground, choose a sheltered spot with good drainage and space cuttings about 10–15cm apart in rows. Label everything clearly — it’s surprisingly easy to forget what’s what by spring.

Aftercare and what happens next

Once planted, water well and then let nature take its course. Hardwood cuttings require very little attention over winter:

• Keep the soil just moist, not waterlogged
• Protect pots from severe frost if possible by moving them to a sheltered spot
• Check occasionally for damage or rot and remove any failed cuttings

Growth will be slow at first. Roots usually form before any visible top growth appears, so don’t be tempted to pull at cuttings to check progress. By late spring or early summer, new leaves should begin to emerge.

Cuttings grown in pots can usually be planted out in autumn, once well rooted. Those grown in the ground are often left in place for a full year before being lifted and transplanted.

Why it’s worth doing

Hardwood cuttings are one of the most economical ways to propagate plants, producing strong, resilient young plants that are well adapted to local conditions. They’re also ideal for filling gaps in hedges, sharing with friends or simply expanding your garden without stretching the budget.