With the arrival of fall, many people consider it time to put away gardening tools and wait until spring to resume planting and caring for plants. However, this time of year provides the perfect opportunity to propagate shrubs through cuttings, a simple and cost-effective method that allows for improving the aesthetics of the garden without incurring significant expenses. Here are four magnificent shrubs that can be successfully multiplied this season, transforming any outdoor space into a lush green sanctuary.
The first ideal candidate for fall propagation is lavender. This shrub is known for its unique fragrance as well as its vibrant lilac-colored flowers. In addition to being resilient, lavender attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, benefiting the garden ecosystem as a whole. To propagate lavender through cuttings, it is advisable to select non-flowering stems from that year, cut them, and plant them in a sandy substrate that offers good drainage. With proper care, these branches will begin to develop roots in a few weeks.
Boxwood is another shrub that stands out in this cutting process. Recognized for its ability to be shaped into hedges and figures, boxwood is ideal for propagation in the fall through cuttings. To do this, new green shoots should be taken and planted in a medium that maintains some moisture but avoids waterlogging. With patience, the new plants will thrive and can be pruned according to the gardener’s taste.
Viburnum takes the third place in this list of ideal shrubs for fall propagation. This shrub offers spectacular flowers in spring and, depending on the variety, berries in the fall. Its cuttings are easy to handle and the best time to cut them is at the end of summer or the beginning of fall. The process involves taking semi-mature shoots, removing the lower leaves, and placing them in a mix of peat and sand to stimulate root development.
Finally, the dogwood (Cornus) cannot be overlooked, a shrub appreciated for its colorful fall foliage and red stems, which add visual interest even during the winter. Cuttings should be selected from young shoots of that year and, once planted in the appropriate substrate, should be kept under controlled humidity conditions to ensure their growth.
The propagation of these shrubs through cuttings not only represents an economical option but also offers the rewarding experience of multiplying favorite plants and promoting biodiversity in the environment. This fall, gardening becomes an exercise in expansion, recycling, and new opportunities to maintain a vibrant garden all year round.
Source: MiMub in Spanish