Garden Q&A: Should I take cuttings from lavender and fuchsia plants in August?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions 

Lavender and fuchsia. File pictures

Question

Can I still take cuttings from lavender or fuchsias?

Answer

Yes, late July and early August are actually a very good time to take cuttings from both lavender and fuchsias. 

For lavender, look for healthy, non-flowering shoots and take short tip cuttings about 8cm-10cm long, stripping the lower leaves before inserting them into gritty compost. 

Fuchsias root easily from softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken now. 

For both, snip just below a leaf joint, remove the bottom leaves and pop them around the edge of a pot. Keep them moist and in light shade, and they’ll often root within a few weeks. 

It’s a simple way to get more plants for free, and a bit of insurance if you’re worried about losing older plants over winter. Just remember to use sharp, clean secateurs to prevent the spread of, or risk of, infection.

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