11 Shrubs You Should Propagate in September (and Get Free Plants Next Year)
By the time September shows up, gardens start to look a little tired — mornings feel cooler, daylight slips away faster, and you might think it’s time to call it quits. But honestly? Fall is when I get the most excited, because it’s the perfect moment to take cuttings. This little garden hack means you’ll have a whole lineup of new shrubs ready to plant next spring, without spending a dime.
Fall really is that sweet spot for woody plants — their stems aren’t too soft and flimsy, but they’re not rock hard either. Perfect for rooting. Taking cuttings now is one of the cheapest ways to expand your garden, because it’s literally free plants for next year. Both semi-hardwood and softwood cuttings can work, depending on what you’re growing.
11 Shrubs You Can Propagate in September
And honestly? Propagating this time of year feels kinda meditative. It doesn’t cost much either. The only thing worth spending a little on is rooting hormone — I’ve had great results with the basic powders you can grab online. If you’re more of a DIY type, a dab of fresh aloe gel works surprisingly well too.
So, which shrubs deserve a spot on your propagation to-do list this September? Here’s my top 11.
1. Butterfly Bush
Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) is basically a wildlife magnet. If you’ve ever dreamed of a garden buzzing with butterflies and bees, this is your plant. It thrives in zones 5–9 (sometimes even 10) and is ridiculously easy to propagate in September.
Cut a few shoots now, stick them in soil, and they root fast. I once took cuttings on a whim and ended up with way more butterfly bushes than I knew what to do with — so I gave some away. Let’s just say my neighbors now think I’m the local butterfly dealer.
2. Hebe
Hebes are like the little black dress of shrubs — evergreen, neat, and they always look good thanks to their spiky blooms. They grow well in zones 6–11 and honestly fit into almost any garden design.
Take semi-hardwood cuttings now and pop them in a gritty compost. You can mix regular potting soil with sand or perlite to get that perfect coarse texture. Give your baby hebes a bit of care over the winter, and next year you’ll be rewarded with glossy leaves and flowers that never fail to cheer things up.
3. Hydrangea
Team mophead or team lacecap — doesn’t matter, you can never have too many hydrangeas. They thrive in zones 3–9, and a few even bloom into autumn, adding extra fall color.
Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in September root easily. Just don’t forget to label them. I once skipped labeling and had no idea which ones would bloom blue or pink. My garden turned into a surprise party the next summer — fun, but not exactly “planned.”
4. Salvia
Salvias are pollinator magnets and perfect for late-season drama in the garden. With over 900 species out there, you’re spoiled for choice. They’re drought-tolerant, easy to care for, and the foliage smells amazing when you brush past it.
Snip softwood tips now, root them, and by next year you’ll have plenty of salvias ready to light up your borders. Simple, fast, and totally worth it.
5. Felicia Daisy
Bright blue or white daisy-like flowers make Felicia daisy a cheerful addition to any garden. It’s perennial in warmer zones (9 and 10), but grown as an annual in cooler ones.
Take softwood cuttings this September and overwinter them indoors. Come spring, you’ll have a fresh batch ready to bloom. This is one of those easy garden hacks that pays off big time.
6. Lemon Verbena
One whiff of lemon verbena and you’ll be hooked. The citrusy, herbal scent is addicting, and the leaves are amazing in teas, desserts, or even cocktails.
Take cuttings now and keep them warm through the colder months. By summer, you’ll have pots of lemon verbena everywhere. I tried it once and ended up with enough to flavor iced tea for the whole block. Not mad about it.
7. Camellia
Camellias bring a touch of elegance when not much else is blooming. Their glossy leaves and stunning winter flowers make them worth every bit of patience.
Take semi-hardwood cuttings in September and don’t be discouraged if they take their sweet time. Once they root, they’re tough and gorgeous — totally worth the wait.
8. Boxwood
Boxwoods are the backbone of formal gardens — hedges, spheres, quirky little shapes, you name it. But buying them in bulk? Ouch. That can get expensive fast.
The good news: semi-hardwood cuttings taken in September root well. If you’re in zones 4–9, you can start your own topiary collection for free. Just give them well-draining soil and a little patience. I drowned a batch once by overwatering — not my proudest “easy garden hack.” Lesson learned.
9. Escallonia
Glossy evergreen leaves, bee-friendly flowers, and year-round appeal — escallonia is a workhorse shrub for zones 7–9.
Cuttings taken in September root best if you keep them moist and shaded. With the right care, they’ll give you a flowering hedge that looks good no matter the season.
10. Spirea
Low-maintenance, generous with flowers, and perfect for borders or hedges — spirea is one of those shrubs every garden can use.
Semi-hardwood cuttings taken now root quickly and easily, so you can fill your yard without burning through your wallet. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly shrubs for fall propagation.
FAQs
What can you propagate in September?
Both softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings do well this month. Use a sharp knife or pruners, strip the lower leaves, and dip the base in rooting hormone if you have it. Then stick the cuttings in a light, moist medium and wait. Some shrubs, like camellia, take longer — but patience is part of the game.
Why bother with fall cuttings?
Because a handful of snips now means a whole hedge, border, or pollinator buffet next year. And all for free. Honestly, who doesn’t love the idea of walking past a garden full of shrubs you never paid for? That’s my kind of fall gardening tip.
