Layer in autumn

Encouraging roots to form new plants, while still attached to the parent plant is called layering. Choose flexible young shoots on the outside of the plant.  If no suitable young shoots are available, then prune the parent plant to encourage new shoots for the following year. 

Make a 2.5-5cm (1-2in) incision through a leaf node approximately 30cm (12in) from the shoot tip and wedge open with a small piece of wood. You need a sharp knife for this - take care with your fingers. The wounding of the parent plant encourages roots to form. Applying hormone rooting powder to the cut may help.

Next, make a shallow trench, 10-15cm (4-6in) deep and peg the wounded section into the bottom, using metal pins. Alternatively, sink a small pot containing seed compost and peg into that. Secure the stem tip above ground by tying to a vertical cane. Back fill the trench with soil and firm. Water in.

A new and robust root system should have developed around the wound by next year. Lift, sever and transplant the layers to their final positions.