Basal Cuttings

During April, the strong basal shoots of herbaceous perennials make easy, quick-rooting cuttings. The tall forms of phlox are ideal candidates, and gardeners have long propagated them in this way to share with friends and neighbours. From July, you’ll see many gardens awash with their pink, purple and white flowers, and their perfume fills the evening air.

By taking your own basal cuttings, you can make lots of new plants, which gives you plenty of scope to try out different planting ideas. And you can use this technique on all manner of beautiful border perennials.

To take effective basal cuttings, choose a strong healthy plant and choose three of four basal shoots.

Step by Step:

• Make a clean cut as close to the base as possible – if your cut isn’t completely clean, neaten up with a sharp knife.
• Fill up some pots with a generous amount of compost. Use a stick or pencil to make a hole in the soil and gently plant your cuttings into position.
• Cover your soil with grit to deter those pesky pests and mist/water your cuttings regularly.
• If necessary, cover your pots with a clear plastic bag to retain moisture.
• Repot as they develop and until you can put them into the ground.