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While sowing seeds is a traditional approach to gardening, propagating plants from stem cuttings offers a faster and more cost-effective method. This technique allows you to multiply your favorite flowering plants without purchasing new ones. All you need is a donor plant, which can be your own, or one from a friend or neighbor who enjoys gardening.
However, it’s important to note that not all flowering plants are easily propagated from cuttings. Here are 18 flowering plants that are particularly well-suited to propagation through stem cuttings, offering both ease and success.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are perennials in zones 5 to 9 but are often grown annually in other zones. They require full sun and well-drained soil and bloom from late summer to fall. To best propagate from cuttings, use 4-6 inch stem cuttings.
Petunia
Petunias are annuals in most zones but perennials in zones 9 to 11. They bloom profusely in full sun and offer a variety of colors and patterns. Propagate Petunias from 4-6 inch stem cuttings. Plant in well-draining, organically enriched soil.
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Fuchsia
Though not all Fuchsias are red, those that are tend to be hummingbird magnets. They thrive in cooler, shaded conditions, making them ideal for adding a splash of color to darker parts of the garden. Take 3-4 inch tip cuttings of Fuchsia and plant in well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a tropical plant celebrated for its lush, colorful bracts and vigorous growth. It can be grown as a vine, shrub, or ground cover. While it flourishes in full sun and requires regular watering, it’s surprisingly resilient in deterring squirrels.
Propagate Bougainvillea with 6-8 inch cuttings from mature stems. Plant in well-draining soil and ensure ample sunlight for rapid root development and vibrant blooms.
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Gardenia
Known for its large, creamy white flowers and exquisite fragrance, Gardenia is an ideal plant for propagation. It requires full to partial shade, high humidity, and well-drained acidic soil. Keep the soil moist and fertilize regularly for dark foliage and plenty of flowers.
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Zinnias
These colorful flowers are easy to grow and bloom all summer, providing bees with a continuous feast of nectar. Zinnias are a must-have in any bee-friendly garden.
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Aster
Asters extend the blooming season, bringing vibrant color to your garden late into the year. They thrive in full sun with moist, well-drained soil and benefit from regular watering and periodic division to maintain their health and vibrancy. Zones 3-8
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Carnations
With their frilled petals and sweet fragrance, carnations closely resemble miniature roses. Due to their long vase life and vibrant shades, they are extremely popular as cut flowers. To propagate, you must take 4-6 inch stem cuttings and plant in fertile, well-draining soil.
Salvia
Salvia plants are known for spikes of purple flowers. They are drought-tolerant and prefer full sun.
Camellias
These evergreen shrubs or small trees are prized for their beautiful, rose-like blooms, which appear from winter to spring, depending on the variety. Camellias have glossy, dark green leaves and flowers ranging in shades from white to pink to red, with some varieties even featuring bi-colored petals. They prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade.
Peony
Peonies are popular perennials with big, fragrant pink, red, white, and yellow flowers. They have glossy green leaves and bloom from late spring to early summer. Peonies are perfect for propagating from cuttings. Peonies require rich soil with good drainage. Zones 3-8
Honeysuckle
An excellent choice for attracting wildlife, honeysuckle thrives in most conditions, preferring full sun and soil enriched with organic matter.
Lavender
Lavender is excellent for creating aromatic borders and pathways. It is also great to propagate from cuttings. Simply use 3-inch tip cuttings and root them. It needs full sun and well-drained slightly alkaline soil. After a few weeks, transplant lavender into garden beds. Once established, water sparingly to prevent root rot, and prune annually for shape and increased blooms.
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Snapdragon
Snapdragons add height and color to borders and are available in various shades to complement any garden design. Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings of Snapdragon and plant them in well-draining soil. Regular watering promotes a colorful floral display.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
African Violets are beautiful. They prefer bright, indirect light and consistent moisture. These plants are ideal for window sills or small spaces, providing a delicate, floral touch to your home decor. Propagate African Violets by cutting healthy leaves with a 2-3 inch stalk. Maintain a warm, moist environment with bright light to encourage growth.
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Begonia
Hardy Begonia features beautiful, heart-shaped leaves and delicate flowers. It’s a resilient choice for adding a splash of color to the shaded parts of the garden. This plant does best in partial to heavy shade in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Use 1-inch cuttings to propagate. Press them into a moist potting mix and keep them in a warm, humid place. Until roots develop, keep away from sunlight. Zones 6-9
Geranium
Perennial Geraniums are hardy perennials that bloom in various colors and prefer full sun to light shade. Growing and flourishing in simple, well-drained, fertile soil is easy. They are pest-free and disease-free and bloom from early summer to fall. Zones 4-7.
Propagate geraniums by placing 6-inch cuttings in water, ensuring leaves stay above water. Once rooted, transplant into the soil for a vibrant floral display.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are famous for their large, colorful blooms and demand attention from summer into fall. They thrive in zones 5-9, favoring part shade and moist, well-drained soil. Their flowers, available in blue, pink, white, and purple hues, require regular watering.
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