Propagating from Root Cuttings

Root cuttings can be used to propagate shrubs such as rhus and campsis; trees like robinia, paulownia and elm; and hardy herbaceous perennials such as echinops, eryngium, oriental poppy, border phlox and verbascum.

The time to take these cuttings is when the plants are dormant in December.

Use young roots of no more than pencil thickness (some plant's roots may be thinner than this anyway). Scrape away the soil from the roots of larger plants or lift smaller ones and then replant after obtaining the roots you require.

Cut the roots that you have chose into 2 inch (5cm) lengths using a clean knife or secateurs. Plant into cutting compost, thicker roots should be planted upright with the top just below the surface of the compost. Ensure that you plant the roots the correct way up as they would have been in the original plant. Lay any thinner roots horizontally on the surface and cover with a layer of compost to their own thickness.

Place in a cold frame or greenhouse to root. Top growth will be produced first so do not be in too much of a hurry to transplant them and check that there is plenty of root growth before planting out.