Grow More Flowering Shrubs From Softwood Cuttings
Learning how to propagate flowering shrubs from softwood cuttings is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to grow more plants. Instead of buying new shrubs every season, you can take fresh cuttings from healthy plants and encourage them to grow roots of their own.
Softwood cuttings are taken from new growth that is still flexible but strong enough to hold its shape. This type of cutting is commonly taken in late spring or early summer, depending on your climate and the shrub variety. Many flowering shrubs can be propagated this way, including hydrangeas, weigela, butterfly bush, rose of Sharon, viburnum, and many other popular landscape plants. Watch our Propagating Hydrangeas for a step-by-step process
In our short video, we show how we handle a larger number of softwood cuttings after they are taken and placed into containers. Once the cuttings are stuck into the growing medium, they are placed in a greenhouse under a misting system. The mist helps keep the leaves from drying out while the new roots begin to develop.
Why Humidity Matters for Softwood Cuttings
New cuttings do not have roots yet, so they cannot pull water from the soil like an established shrub. This is why humidity is so important. The leaves need moisture while the plant works on producing roots.
For growers who want to propagate many shrubs at one time, a greenhouse misting system can be extremely helpful. The mist keeps the leaves hydrated without soaking the soil. It also creates a humid environment that gives the cuttings a better chance of rooting successfully.
Our video is especially useful for gardeners, backyard growers, and small nurseries who want to take a larger number of softwood cuttings at one time.
How to Propagate a Small Number of Cuttings
You do not need a greenhouse to get started. Home gardeners can create a simple humidity chamber with supplies they may already have.
After placing your softwood cuttings into a small container filled with moist potting mix, place a clear zip-top bag over the container. The bag helps trap humidity around the leaves. You can also use a clear plastic storage container, a cut plastic bottle, or a small propagation dome.
Keep the plastic from pressing directly against the leaves when possible. A few small sticks or plant labels can help hold the bag upright. Place the container in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct afternoon sun because the temperature inside the bag can rise quickly and damage the cuttings.
Open the bag occasionally to allow a little fresh air inside and check the moisture level of the potting mix. The soil should stay lightly moist, not soggy.
Tips for Better Rooting Success
Use clean pruning shears when taking cuttings. Choose healthy stems with fresh growth and remove the lower leaves before placing each cutting into the soil. Rooting hormone can also help encourage faster and more consistent root development.
The time required for roots to develop can vary depending on the shrub variety, weather conditions, and the amount of humidity around the cuttings. Gently tug on the cutting after a few weeks. If you feel resistance, roots may be starting to form.
Start Propagating Flowering Shrubs at Home
Whether you are taking five cuttings with a zip-top bag or hundreds of cuttings under a greenhouse misting system, the basic idea is the same. Keep your softwood cuttings moist, humid, and protected while they develop roots.
Watch our video to see how we care for larger batches of softwood cuttings inside the greenhouse. With a little patience, you can turn fresh shrub growth into healthy new plants for your landscape, backyard nursery, or plant farm.
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