Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late-summer

Semi-hardwood cuttings are sections of the current season's growth that have begun to firm.

The cutting base is quite hard, while the tip is still soft. Choose pest and disease free material that is typical of the mother plant.

To use this propagation method, remove sideshoots of the current season's growth from the main plant using sharp secateurs. Trim them to 10-15cm lengths, cutting just below a node. Removing the lowest leaves and soft tip, then make a shallow cut, 1-2cm long, on one side of the stem base.

Dip the cutting base in fresh rooting hormone powder, ensuring that the cut is well covered. Tap off excess, and then insert the cutting in a pot of standard cutting compost and put in a cold frame. Water in well.Ensure that the compost remains moist, but not wet, until the cuttings are well rooted.

During the winter check and remove any fallen leaves and dead cuttings, watering only if the compost feels dry.

Harden off the cuttings gradually the next spring before potting them up individually.