Why spend money on new shrubs when you can grow them for free? February is one of the best months for plant propagation using hardwood cuttings.
During late winter, many trees and shrubs are still dormant. This makes it the perfect time to take cuttings before buds begin to open. Once new growth starts, the window closes.
Hardwood cuttings are taken from one-year-old stems. They are strong, reliable, and usually very easy to root. If done correctly, success is almost guaranteed.
In this guide, you will discover five easy plants to propagate in February, along with simple tips to help your cuttings grow successfully.
What Are Hardwood Cuttings?
Hardwood cuttings are pieces of mature stems taken during a plant’s dormant season (mid-fall to late winter). These cuttings are thicker and stronger than softwood cuttings taken in spring.
Why Choose Hardwood Cuttings?
- High success rate
- Low maintenance
- Free new plants
- Ideal for trees, shrubs, and fruit bushes
- Great way to expand your garden cheaply
Once buds start swelling or breaking, it is too late. So February is your final chance in many climates.
Willow
Willow (Salix) is one of the easiest plants to grow from cuttings. There are hundreds of varieties, and most root very quickly.
How To Propagate Willow
- Choose healthy pencil-thick stems from last year’s growth.
- Cut into 12–18 inch sections.
- Make a straight cut at the bottom and an angled cut at the top.
- Insert two-thirds of the cutting into soil.
- Keep soil moist.
You can even root willow in water. Just place cuttings in a jar with bright, indirect sunlight. Change water every few days. Once roots are 1–2 inches long, move them to soil.
Important: Some willow types are considered invasive in certain areas. Always check local rules before planting.
Dogwood
Dogwood (Cornus) shrubs are famous for their bright winter stems and beautiful fall color. They also support wildlife like birds and pollinators.
How To Take Dogwood Cuttings
- Take 10–12 inch cuttings from straight, one-year-old wood.
- Cut just above and below a bud.
- Dip the base in rooting hormone powder.
- Plant so that two buds are under soil.
- Leave about 4 inches above ground.
You can plant directly outside or use pots in a cold frame. By fall, they should be ready for permanent planting.
Forsythia
Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia) gives bright yellow flowers in early spring. It is one of the easiest flowering shrubs to propagate.
Do not prune heavily in late winter because you will remove flower buds.
Propagation Steps
- Take 8–12 inch pencil-thick stems.
- Make sure each cutting has 4–6 buds.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Use deep pots with drainage holes.
- Cover with a clear plastic bag to increase humidity.
This simple method gives you more colorful shrubs for free.
Spirea
Spirea (Spiraea) is loved for its long flowering season and low maintenance care.
There are two types:
- Summer-flowering spirea
- Spring-flowering spirea
Only prune summer types in late winter. Spring types should be pruned after flowering.
How To Propagate
- Take 10–12 inch cuttings from one-year stems.
- Angle cut at top, straight cut at base.
- Dip base in rooting hormone.
- Insert into soil or containers.
For faster rooting, use a heat mat and maintain temperature around 65–70°F.
Currants
If you grow fruit, currants are a fantastic choice for hardwood cuttings. This includes:
- Blackcurrants
- Redcurrants
- Whitecurrants
- Pinkcurrants
They root very easily and improve your fruit harvest.
Propagation Tips
- Take 8–12 inch healthy stems.
- Plant two-thirds under soil.
- Add coarse sand in trenches for drainage.
- Keep soil moist throughout the year.
It may take 12–18 months before they are ready for final planting.
Quick Comparison
| Plant | Cutting Length | Rooting Method | Special Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willow | 12–18 inches | Soil or Water | Check for invasive varieties |
| Dogwood | 10–12 inches | Soil/Pots | Bury at least two buds |
| Forsythia | 8–12 inches | Deep pots | Avoid heavy pruning |
| Spirea | 10–12 inches | Soil/Heat mat | Prune only summer types |
| Currants | 8–12 inches | Trench or Pots | May take 12–18 months |
General Tips for Success
- Always use sharp, clean tools.
- Label your cuttings.
- Keep soil consistently moist.
- Avoid waterlogging.
- Take cuttings before buds break.
February is truly the last golden opportunity to grow new shrubs for free using hardwood cuttings. With plants like willow, dogwood, forsythia, spirea, and currants, success is highly likely even for beginners.
Instead of buying expensive nursery plants, you can multiply what you already have in your garden. Just remember to act before dormancy ends, keep the soil moist, and be patient.
Within months, you will see strong new growth developing from simple cut stems. Gardening does not have to be costly — sometimes the best plants come absolutely free.
FAQs
1. What happens if I take cuttings after buds start growing?
The success rate becomes lower because the plant is no longer dormant. It is best to take cuttings before bud break.
2. Do I always need rooting hormone?
It is not always required, but it increases the success rate and speeds up root growth.
3. How long before I can plant cuttings in their final spot?
Most shrubs can be planted by fall, but fruit bushes like currants may take 12–18 months.
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