Propagating shrubs: a step-by-step guide

1. Introduction
2. Preparation for propagation
3. Different propagation methods
4. Caring for the new plants
5. Tips for successful propagation
6. Conclusion

1. introduction

Propagating shrubs not only adds to the beauty of your garden, but is also a fulfilling and rewarding challenge for garden enthusiasts. By mastering the art of propagation, you can not only multiply your favorite plants and save money, but also gain deeper insight into your plants' growth cycles and needs. Whether it's propagating lavender for summer fragrance, currants for spring jam, hydrangeas for autumn color or rosemary for winter cooking, the right techniques and knowledge of humidity, light and temperature conditions are crucial

In this article, we will describe the preparations for propagation in detail, explain various propagation methods such as taking cuttings, cutting and covering and show you how to properly care for the new plants. You will also receive valuable tips to maximize the success of your propagation efforts, be it in spring, summer, autumn or winter. With step-by-step instructions and advice on key aspects such as growing medium, humidity and winter dormancy, we'll help you expand your gardening skills and successfully propagate a variety of shrubs.

2. preparation for propagation

Careful preparation is essential for the successful propagation of your shrubs. This section will guide you through the selection of the mother plant, the tools required and the correct pruning technique for cuttings.

Choice of mother plant

Selecting the mother plant is a crucial step in propagation. Almost all shrubs and perennial culinary herbs are suitable for cuttings. It is important that the shoots of the mother plant are healthy, strong and not yet too woody. Make sure you choose well-matured shoots that will ensure optimum growth of the new plants.

Tools required

To prepare the cuttings properly, you will need some basic tools:

1. A sharp, clean knife or secateurs to cut the cuttings.
2. Small pots or trays for the cuttings.
3. A nutrient-poor, loose and moist substrate in which the cuttings are placed.

These tools help you to prepare the cuttings optimally for growth.

Cutting technique for cuttings

There are a few important points to bear in mind when cutting the cuttings:

1. Cut off shoots with a length of around 20 - 30 cm. These should have at least 4-5 leaves with buds at the base.
2. If possible, use strong annual shoots and cut them into pencil-length pieces. Each piece should end with a bud at the top and bottom.
3. Cut the underside of your cuttings at an angle. This facilitates root formation and helps you to recognize the correct direction of growth more quickly.
4. Immediately after cutting, place the fresh cuttings in a sheltered, semi-shady spot in the garden in loose, humus-rich soil. A maximum of a quarter of the length should protrude from the soil.

By following these techniques, you can ensure that your cuttings have the best conditions for healthy growth.

3. different propagation methods

Propagation by cuttings

When propagating by cuttings, parts of plants are separated and placed in a suitable medium such as soil, growing medium, sand or water to form new roots. This method is ideal for almost all shrubs and perennial culinary herbs. The separated parts, known as cuttings, develop new, independent plants that are genetically identical to the original plant within one to two years. For optimum results, young shoots should be used just before they become woody, which are still pliable and green. The shoots should be healthy, strong and not too woody, with a length of around 20 - 30 cm and at least 4-5 leaves. After cutting the cuttings, excess leaves should be removed or shortened to reduce evaporation. The cuttings are then placed in the chosen substrate or water, making sure that they are placed in their original direction of growth. The soil in which the cuttings are placed should always be kept slightly moist to encourage the formation of new roots.

Propagation by cuttings

Cuttings are a special form of cutting propagation in which bare, well-lignified cuttings are used. This method is particularly efficient for the propagation of trees and shrubs and requires neither special propagation containers nor a greenhouse. The cuttings are preferably cut from strong, one-year-old shoots and should be about the length of a pencil, with each piece ending with an eye or a pair of eyes at the top and bottom. After cutting, the cuttings are planted in loose, humus-rich soil in a semi-shady spot in the garden. It is important that the cuttings are placed in the soil the right way round so that they grow. If rooting is slow, the top end of the cuttings can be treated with a wound sealant to prevent them from drying out.

Propagation by lowering

Cuttings are another method of plant propagation in which a part of the plant, usually a shoot, remains connected to the mother plant until after rooting. This method is similar to propagation by cuttings, with the difference that the cutting (also known as a scion) is only separated from the mother plant after rooting. Cuttings are particularly suitable for plants that are difficult to propagate by other methods. A healthy, one to two-year-old shoot is used for mossing in spring by defoliating it and then making a cut about 3 cm long.

4. care of the new plants

Conditions for root formation

The successful rooting of young plants is crucial for their growth and development. High humidity is particularly important to reduce transpiration, as the cuttings initially have no roots that can absorb water. A mini-greenhouse on the windowsill creates ideal conditions by increasing humidity and providing sufficient light at the same time. The optimum temperature for root formation is around 20 °C. Special heating mats can be used to slightly increase the temperature in the root area, which promotes rooting.

Requirements for the location

The right location is very important for the growth of new plants. Choose a location that meets the needs of the respective plant species. Some plants need full sun, while others prefer a semi-shady spot. It is also important to keep sufficient distance from other plants, fences or buildings to avoid growth obstructions and damage. The soil in the location should be loose and nutrient-rich and provide enough space for the roots to spread freely.

Irrigation and nutrients

Regular and adequate watering is essential for the growth and health of young plants. In the first few years after planting, sufficient watering should be provided, especially during dry periods. Watering should be around 50 liters per watering and close to the trunk to ensure an effective supply. In addition, the use of products such as H2Pro AquaSmart can help to improve the water-holding capacity of the soil and reduce water consumption. Light fertilization can also be beneficial, but care should be taken not to over-fertilize. One liter of compost per square metre is usually sufficient to cover the nutrient requirements.

5. tips for successful propagation

Ideal seasons

Choosing the right time of year is crucial for success when propagating shrubs. For most flowering shrubs, such as forsythia, fragrant jasmine and summer lilac, early spring is ideal as soil temperatures begin to rise and the plants awaken from their winter dormancy. This promotes root formation and the growth of new shoots. For winter-green perennials and some special species such as ornamental cherries and corkscrew hazelnut, however, spring is the better choice as they are more active and can regenerate better.

Avoid common mistakes

A common mistake in propagation is the wrong timing when cutting the cuttings. Young shoots that are about to become woody are ideal, as they are still flexible and green. Shoots that are too soft can rot in the soil, while shoots that are too woody have difficulty forming roots. Take care not to cut the cuttings too early or too late in the season. Another common mistake is inadequate preparation of the planting medium. A nutrient-poor, loose and moist substrate is essential to give the cuttings the best starting conditions.

Useful additional measures

Additional measures can be very helpful to increase the chances of successful propagation. Covering the cutting bed with foil from the beginning of March creates an evenly moist and warm environment that promotes root formation. The foil should only be removed when the new shoots on the cuttings are ten centimetres long. It is also beneficial to keep the soil in which the cuttings are placed slightly moist at all times to encourage the formation of new roots. When using jars of water for propagating cuttings, it is advisable to change the water daily to ensure an optimal environment.

6. conclusion

Propagating shrubs opens up limitless possibilities for hobby gardeners and plant lovers to design their gardens and green areas individually and cost-effectively. Whether by cuttings, cuttings or cuttings, the techniques and tips presented provide a sound basis for the successful propagation of a variety of plant species. Careful selection of the mother plant, precise preparation of the cuttings and thoughtful care of the young plants are decisive factors that determine the success of propagation efforts.

The step-by-step guide presented in this article is intended to serve as inspiration for exploring the fascinating world of plant propagation and expanding your own gardening skills. With patience, practice and an understanding of the various propagation methods, nothing stands in the way of creating a diverse, flourishing garden. Propagating shrubs is not only a contribution to biodiversity, but also an enrichment for any green oasis.

Further questions and answers on propagating shrubs

1 How do ornamental shrubs propagate?
Ornamental shrubs are best propagated by cuttings. This involves separating leafy shoot parts from the mother plant and rooting them. Both head cuttings and base cuttings can be used for this process.

2 How can I propagate woody plants?
Woody plants are propagated asexually by using cuttings, cuttings or the mossing method. These techniques help to preserve the specific characteristics of the woody plants, which are often characterized by attractive colour contrasts.

3. how can you get branches to take root?
To get branches to root, they should be placed in a glass of water, making sure that there are no leaves in the water to avoid rotting. The cutting should be cultivated at a temperature of 20 to 24 degrees Celsius and in a bright location. Rooting normally takes place within two to three weeks.

4. how long should cuttings remain in the water to form roots?
With the water glass method, the leafless part of the cutting must be completely submerged. The water should be changed twice a week. The time it takes for roots to form varies; some cuttings form roots after just a few days, while others may take several weeks.