August is the ideal time to take cuttings of many popular plants, including flowers and shrubs. By this point in the growing season, most plants have produced a good amount of healthy green growth, making it perfect for propagation. As a professional gardener, I’ve found that taking cuttings in August can be a great way to add new plants to your garden without spending any money.
Here are seven plants that you can propagate in August:
1. Rosemary: This flowering shrub thrives in full sun and can tolerate rocky poor soils. Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings, remove lower leaves, and plant them in well-draining soil. With proper care, your rosemary plants will be ready to transplant by next year.
2. Lantana: Choose fresh green shoots that haven’t flowered yet, and take 4-inch section cuttings just below a leaf node. Plant in gritty mix, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can use rooting hormone for better success rates.
3. Potentilla: Take semi-ripe stem cuttings from established shrubs and plant them in well-draining soil. There are many varieties of potentillas to choose from, including pink, white, red, orange, and yellow. Some popular options include ‘Miss Wilmott’s Ghost’ and ‘Goldfinger’.
4. Ribes: Take 6-8 inch stem cuttings, remove lower leaves, and plant them in pots filled with gritty compost. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and you’ll be ready to transplant by next spring.
5. Lavender: Choose fresh silver-green shoots from the outer edges of the plant, avoiding woody or flowering stems. Plant in well-draining soil, and use rooting powder for better success rates. Lavender is perfect for Mediterranean climates.
6. Forsythia: Take 6-inch stem cuttings, remove lower leaves, and dip the bottom in rooting hormone. Plant them in pots filled with improved drainage, such as perlite or sand. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and you’ll be ready to transplant by next year.
7. Sage: Take stem cuttings throughout the summer months using soil propagation or water, changing the water every few days for better results. Prune regularly to prevent legginess, and monitor watering during hot summer days.
Remember to keep an eye on watering during those hot summer days, as you don’t want the soil to dry out. With proper care, these plants will thrive in your garden.
Source: https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/plants-to-propagate-in-august-2025