The clock is ticking on late summer gardening jobs. While September is the ideal window for planting spring bulbs and harvesting veg (including autumn pumpkins), now is also one of the best times to take cuttings and ensure a fresh wave of flowers next spring.
“September is a really underrated month for propagation. The soil has still got a bit of warmth in it, but the weather’s turning cooler, which is actually perfect for helping new cuttings settle in without too much stress,” says Luke Newnes, gardening expert who is currently working with Hillarys.
“Ensure to pick non-flowering stems for your cuttings and give them a bit of shelter as autumn sets in. Even a cold frame or a bright windowsill can really help them get established.”
On that note, take a look at the top plants to propagate in September before it’s too late:
Rosemary
“Herbs like rosemary are good candidates for cuttings at this time of year. If you take a few healthy stems now, you’ll have new plants ready for next year’s kitchen garden,” says Luke.
To take a cutting, remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and plant the cutting straight into a pot of soil (for best results, dip the cut end in rooting hormone). Then, cover it with a plastic bag and place it in bright light. Roots will develop in a few weeks.
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Forsythia
Adored for its cheerful yellow flowers, forsythia is an easy-to-grow deciduous shrub that brightens any plot. Much like rosemary, it can easily be propagated by taking cuttings in late summer. Just choose healthy shoots before they become woody and insert them into a compost mix.
“I always recommend taking hardwood cuttings from shrubs like hydrangeas and forsythia around now,” adds Luke. “It’s a simple way to get more plants for free, and you’ll see strong growth come spring.”
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Daylilies
These pretty perennials look as pretty blooming in garden borders as they do arranged in a vase on the kitchen table.
“Perennials such as daylilies and hostas are ideal for dividing in September. It’s a good way to rejuvenate older plants and fill out your borders at the same time.”
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Hostas
Hostas will bulk up quickly, but can easily be divided in autumn and early spring.
Use a garden fork to gently dig up your hosta, then use your hands or a sharp knife to separate the clump into smaller forms. Ensure that each division has a few healthy shoots before placing them in the ground.
Speaking about dividing plants, Peter Mortin, garden expert at Crane Garden Buildings, says: “Think of it as a natural way of multiplying what you already have, without having to spend more at the garden centre.
“It’s a quick job that rewards you with healthier growth and a garden that feels fuller and more balanced.”
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Hydrangeas
Big, blowsy hydrangeas are among the easiest plants to propagate — and September is a great month to try growing your own for free.
Cut a small stem from your hydrangea plant, and then simply pop it into a compost/soil mix. Pop your new plant in a sunny spot and water well.
Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres, told us: “We recommend you cut in the morning when the stems are firm and well hydrated, and choose healthy, non-flowering shoots about 10–15cm long, cutting just below a pair of leaves.”
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