Sustainable Gardening

What is a root cutting?

Techniques, advice and plant selection

Contents

Modified the 21 September 2025 by Ingrid 3 min. Winter, Autumn Difficulty: Débutant

Among the various techniques of propagation for our beloved plants, one requires little effort and is particularly interesting : root cutting. This technique makes it easy to propagate most perennials and bushes already established in the garden. A great way to expand our beautiful flowerbeds! Follow the guide to learn all about propagation by cuttings from roots.

Winter, Autumn Difficulty

When to take root cuttings?

Best time to take a root cutting is autumn or winter during vegetative rest of plants. Indeed, depending on climate, from October to March plants are in dormancy, and they will be less weakened by root pruning. Moreover, root cuttings will have a good chance of establishing.

How to make a root cutting?

Taking root cuttings :

Partially clear soil around your plant to access roots. It is also possible to lift small perennials completely using a broadfork.
Select and take, using a clean pruning shear, several pieces of thick root 3 to 10 cm long. Keep rootlets, those delicate fine roots, on your cutting.

Repotting :

Ideally, place a layer of clay pebbles at bottom of a pot or tray to drain water.
Pour a mix of two thirds cutting compost and one third garden sand.
Moisten compost.
For perennial cuttings: place root cuttings horizontally. Cover root cuttings with 1 to 2 cm compost.
For bush cuttings: place cutting vertically, leaving part of root that faced parent bush exposed above compost by 1 cm.
Lightly moisten compost using a spray bottle.
Place pot in a bright, unheated spot sheltered from frost, such as a cold greenhouse or conservatory.
Keep compost moist but not waterlogged.
After a few weeks or months, around spring, small shoots will appear. You can then repot them if needed, before planting out permanently when plant is stronger.