40 Plants to Propagate from Hardwood Cuttings & How to Do It
Propagating plants from hardwood cuttings is one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to grow new plants. Hardwood cuttings are typically taken during the dormant season when the plant’s growth slows down. By cutting a portion of a plant’s older wood and encouraging it to develop roots, you can create new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant. This method is particularly effective for shrubs, trees, and woody perennials.
Here’s a list of 40 plants you can propagate from hardwood cuttings, along with tips on how to do it successfully.
1. Roses (Rosa spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take cuttings in late fall or early winter.
- Cut 6-8 inch long stems just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves, leaving just a few at the top.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix.
2. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
How to Propagate:
- Take cuttings in late fall.
- Choose healthy, mature stems and cut about 6 inches long.
- Remove lower leaves and dip the ends in rooting hormone before planting.
3. Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take cuttings in late winter or early spring.
- Cut 6-8 inch stems, remove leaves, and dip in rooting hormone.
- Keep moist until roots develop in a well-draining soil mix.
4. Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take hardwood cuttings in late fall.
- Select mature, healthy wood, and cut 6-8 inches in length.
- Dip in rooting hormone, and plant in a loose, well-draining medium.
5. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
How to Propagate:
- Take 6-8 inch cuttings in the fall from mature wood.
- Remove leaves from the lower portion, dip in rooting hormone, and plant.
6. Grape Vine (Vitis vinifera)
How to Propagate:
- Take cuttings in late winter.
- Cut mature wood into 12-inch sections, dip in rooting hormone, and plant.
7. Willow (Salix spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take cuttings in late fall or early winter.
- Choose healthy, flexible wood and cut into 8-10 inch sections.
- Submerge in water until roots form.
8. Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
How to Propagate:
- Take 6-8 inch cuttings from mature wood.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting, and dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil.
9. Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take 6-inch cuttings in late fall.
- Remove the leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in a light potting mix.
10. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take cuttings from mature wood in late summer or fall.
- Trim the cutting to 6 inches and remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in sandy, well-draining soil.
11. Juniper (Juniperus spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take 6-8 inch cuttings in late fall.
- Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining mix.
12. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take hardwood cuttings in late fall or early winter.
- Cut 4-6 inch sections, remove leaves, and use rooting hormone.
13. Spirea (Spiraea spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take 4-6 inch hardwood cuttings in late fall.
- Remove leaves and plant directly into a well-draining mix with rooting hormone.
14. Currants (Ribes spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take 6-inch hardwood cuttings from mature wood in winter.
- Place in a cool, moist spot with rooting hormone.
15. Holly (Ilex spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take cuttings in late fall or early winter.
- Select mature wood, remove leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant.
16. Olive Tree (Olea europaea)
How to Propagate:
- Take hardwood cuttings in late winter or early spring.
- Cut 8-10 inch sections, dip in rooting hormone, and plant.
17. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings from mature wood in fall.
- Use rooting hormone and plant in a moist, well-draining medium.
18. Magnolia (Magnolia spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take cuttings in late fall or early winter.
- Cut 6-inch sections from the ends of branches.
- Apply rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining soil mix.
19. Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take hardwood cuttings in late fall or early winter.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in a cool, shaded location.
20. Apple Trees (Malus spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take 6-8 inch cuttings in late fall.
- Use rooting hormone, plant in well-draining soil, and cover with a plastic bag.
21. Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
How to Propagate:
- Take 6-8 inch cuttings in late fall.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in sandy, well-draining soil.
22. Cherry Trees (Prunus spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take hardwood cuttings from mature wood in late fall.
- Use rooting hormone and plant in loose, well-draining soil.
23. Pear Trees (Pyrus spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take cuttings in winter.
- Cut 6-8 inch sections and dip in rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil.
24. Figs (Ficus spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take 6-8 inch hardwood cuttings in late fall or early winter.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in a warm, moist environment.
25. Camellia (Camellia spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take cuttings in late fall or early winter.
- Use rooting hormone and plant in a cool, shaded location.
26. Clematis (Clematis spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take hardwood cuttings in late fall.
- Use rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining soil mix.
27. Wisteria (Wisteria spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take 6-8 inch hardwood cuttings from mature wood in winter.
- Plant in a rich, moist potting mix.
28. Berries (Blackberry, Raspberry, etc.)
How to Propagate:
- Take 6-inch hardwood cuttings from mature, healthy plants.
- Plant in a moist, well-draining mix with rooting hormone.
29. Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take cuttings in late fall.
- Use rooting hormone and plant in a cool, shaded location.
30. Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
How to Propagate:
- Take 6-inch hardwood cuttings in late fall.
- Plant in a cool, moist location with rooting hormone.
31. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take 6-inch cuttings in late fall.
- Remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant.
32. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take cuttings in late fall.
- Use rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining soil mix.
33. Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take hardwood cuttings in late fall.
- Use rooting hormone and plant in a warm, sunny spot.
34. Elderflower (Sambucus spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take cuttings in late fall.
- Use rooting hormone and plant in a cool, moist location.
35. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take 4-6 inch hardwood cuttings in late fall.
- Use rooting hormone and plant in a cool, shaded location.
36. Weigela (Weigela spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take cuttings in late fall.
- Use rooting hormone and plant in well-draining soil.
37. Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take 6-8 inch hardwood cuttings in late fall.
- Use rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining medium.
38. Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take hardwood cuttings in late fall.
- Use rooting hormone and plant in a warm, sunny spot.
39. Gardenia (Gardenia spp.)
How to Propagate:
- Take hardwood cuttings in late fall.
- Use rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining mix.
40. Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer × freemanii)
How to Propagate:
- Take hardwood cuttings in late fall.
- Use rooting hormone and plant in a cool, moist environment.
Conclusion
Propagating plants from hardwood cuttings is a fantastic way to expand your garden without the cost of buying new plants. By following the tips above, you can successfully propagate a wide range of shrubs, trees, and perennials and enjoy a thriving garden full of beautiful plants. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, propagating from hardwood cuttings is a rewarding and eco-friendly gardening technique to try!