Make the most of the final weeks of summer
Nothing rewards gardeners quite like propagating new plants. Whether you want to double your lavender bush or multiply hydrangeas, a few simple tricks this August could help you grow your plant collection for free.
'August is a great time to take cuttings of half-hardy plants that you would like to keep and grow again next year,' says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres. 'Take cuttings of plants like verbenas, fuchsias, and pelargoniums now so that they have time to root and put on growth before winter.'
Before you begin, make sure to always use clean, sharp tools when taking cuttings to prevent disease. Don't forget to water the parent plant the day before, and avoid propagating during the hottest part of the day to reduce stress on the cuttings.
Take a look at the top plants to propagate in August...
These tall structural plants, topped with clusters of lilac-purple blooms, are wonderful for jazzing up borders. According to the experts, they are great to propagate in August.
To propagate your verbena plant, cut the top few centimetres of new growth and remove the bottom few leaves, leaving the top two. Then, push this gently into a pot of moist, gritty compost up to the set of leaves.
'Not only are they loved by pollinators, but they are also easy to grow in a warm, sunny spot in well-drained soil and will flower all summer up until the first frost. Grow with cosmos and echinaceas for a pollinator buffet,' adds Julian.
Fuchsia cuttings can be taken anytime from spring until autumn, but the earlier the better.
Choose non-flowering shoots, then make a clean cut just below the leaf node. Place your cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist.
Julian suggests covering the pot with a clear plastic freezer bag and securing it with a band. 'This will help to increase the humidity and likelihood of the plant rooting,' he says.
'Place your pot somewhere warm and light but out of direct sunlight and when you see signs of growth, remove the plastic bag and pot on when they have outgrown the pot.'
'This is the perfect month for softwood or semi-ripe cuttings from hydrangeas,' says Luke Newnes, a new-build gardening specialist working with Hillarys.
'Choose non-flowering shoots, cut just below a leaf node, and remove the lower leaves. Place them in moist compost and cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Hydrangeas root quickly at this time of year.'
With rounded clusters of pink or red flowers, pelargoniums are staples of a summer border. They can be easily propagated from cuttings: simply remove the lower leaves and place them in a well-draining compost mix.
Use Julian's bag-covering trick to protect your young cuttings from any harsh weather.
Luke tells us that lavender cuttings root exceptionally well in August. If you're looking to grow these bee-friendly flowers for free, now is the time to propagate.
'Select healthy, non-flowering stems and take cuttings about 10cm long. Strip the lower leaves and plant in a gritty compost mix. Lavender loves warmth and good drainage, so keep the cuttings in a sunny spot and water sparingly,' he advises.
'August is ideal for penstemon cuttings,' says Luke. 'Take non-flowering shoots, about 7-10cm long, and strip the lower leaves. Insert into a mix of compost and perlite for good drainage. They'll root before autumn and be ready to plant out next spring.'
What to do with strawberry plants after fruiting
10 perennials to plant in August for lasting colour
Tried and tested: 6 best secateurs for pruning
12 resilient plants that thrive in full sun
