Plant By Plant Guide of How to Propagate Plants

Here is a little guide on various plants that you can propagate in your home garden. I’ve included the types of propagation where I’ve been successful (seeds, Layering, Division, Cuttings, etc.).  If I can do it so can you! The links in the tables below will take you to posts I have written as a guide based on my experiences with propagating these plants. My propagation methods are not necessarily the only way or the best way but I have found success with them. I hope this is a helpful resource for you to propagate your plants!

Propagating Perennials

Common NameBotanical NameMethods of Propagation
Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ Cuttings, Layering
MilkweedAsclepias incarnataCuttings, Seeds
CatmintNepetaCuttings, Division, Seeds
ConeflowerEchinacea purpurea, E. paradoxa, E. augustifoliaCuttings, Division, Seeds
Hosta Division, Seeds (may not come true from seed)
Montauk DaisyNipponanthemum nipponicumCuttings
Russian SagePerovskia atriplicifoliaHardwood and Softwood Cuttings
SalviaSalvia nemorosaCuttings, Seeds
SwitchgrassPanicum virgatumDivision, Seeds

Propagating Shrubs and Trees

Trees and shrubs can be propagated from a variety of methods.  Always get good, clean, disease free material when taking cuttings.

Common NameBotanical NamePropagation Method
ArborvitaeThuja occidentalisCuttings
BuckeyeAesculus paviaSeed
BoxwoodsBuxusCuttings
Birch (River)Betula nigraCuttings
GinkgoGingko bilobaSeeds
GrapesVitisCuttings
HydrangeaH. macrophylla, H. serrata Cuttings
Hydrangea (Oak Leaf)Hydrangea quercifoliaCuttings, Seeds
Japanese MapleAcer palmatumCuttings, Grafting, Seeds
NinebarkPhysocarpus opulifoliusCuttings
Plum, FruitingPrunusCuttings
Red Twig DogwoodCornus sericea, C. alba Cuttings
Viburnum ‘Shasta’Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosaCuttings, Layering
   

Propagating Annuals

Common NameBotanical NameMethods of Propagation
Coleus Cuttings, Seeds
Impatiens Cuttings, Seed
Petunia Seed

Propagating Herbs

Common NameBotanical NameMethods of Propagation
Basil Ocimum basilicumCuttings, Seeds
LavenderLavandula angustifoliaCuttings, Seeds
OreganoOriganum vulgareCuttings, Division, Seeds
Stevia Stevia rebaudianaCuttings, Seeds

This page is in progress and will be updated periodically with information on how to propagate these plants. For specific information on how to propagate plants and links to posts on some of the plants I have propagated go to this post on basic plant propagation for home gardeners.

2 thoughts on “Plant By Plant Guide of How to Propagate Plants”

  1. I am an experienced gardener. For months I have been attempting to root coleus with NO success? As I have done for years, I put the cuttings in water in a clear glass near my kitchen sink, so I will see the roots easily. Instead of growing roots, the ends of the stems get very soft and fall apart. I do not give up easily, so I try more cuttings, with the same result. Does anyone have an idea what is going on?

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