Wow thanks everyone as always. So try try try again, I will, so thanks Fire and Guernsey Donky. I will try some in and out of the propagator so thanks Fairy Girl. I will start saving cellophane Vally Gardner. Sorry to hear Braidman that U2 have not had much luck this year. Will keep an eye on these dead looking ones in case they spark up so thanks Zero Zero. I will try some in water and see what happens Lyn. Thanks one and ALL and Bagpuss and AnniD for ALL your encouragement and advice. I did a bit of research again on tthe internet and learnt I am supposed to take them when the plant has been well watered (preferably the night before) and then cut them in the morning. I also saw a video with the tiny penstemon cuttings then had their leaves cut in 1/2 in half? What I am still unclear about is: 1. do I shade the cuttings? Someone told my Mum to put newspaper over the propagator for the first week? 2. If I use the propagator do I leave the vents shut until the roots grow? Not remove it at all? Do I mist if they are in a propagator? 3. if I am supposed to leave the vents shut until the roots grow, then do I water ever? And then what? Do I open up the vents and slowly acclimatize them to life outside the propagator? I haven't got a greenhouse so these cuttings are going to have to go in the growhouse (which I have bought to put up for the winter only as I have nowhere to keep it in the summer, only a very small garden ). THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR HELP )
As for using the propegator for penstemon cuttings at this time of year I wouldn't bother myself. Penstemon cuttings and fushia especially don't need a propegator at this time of year. Either stick them on your windowsill in a glass of water making sure no leaves are in the water as they'll go soggy and rot, and just wait for some roots before potting into a small pot. Mine stay outside all year in a make shift cold frame so all you really need is a sheltered corner for now and then when it gets colder give them some protection at night in your grow house, then if it gets really cold protection day and night and just keep checking them. Keep your propegator for starting off seeds in early spring! Once you've taken your cuttings water them and just leave them alone. Mine get rained on so hardly ever need to water they look after themselves really, just check them to make sure they don't dry out but too much water can be too much for them and may not survive. It's a balancing act but really try some as penstemon and fushia are some of the easiest to do from cutting.
Just to add something to the penstemon cuttings conversation, don’t worry about mildew/mould on them through the winter, makes no difference at all because in the Spring you’ll cut all that off and the plants will be fine.
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
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I will start saving cellophane Vally Gardner. Sorry to hear Braidman that U2 have not had much luck this year. Will keep an eye on these dead looking ones in case they spark up so thanks Zero Zero. I will try some in water and see what happens Lyn. Thanks one and ALL and Bagpuss and AnniD for ALL your encouragement and advice. I did a bit of research again on tthe internet and learnt I am supposed to take them when the plant has been well watered (preferably the night before) and then cut them in the morning. I also saw a video with the tiny penstemon cuttings then had their leaves cut in 1/2 in half? What I am still unclear about is: 1. do I shade the cuttings? Someone told my Mum to put newspaper over the propagator for the first week? 2. If I use the propagator do I leave the vents shut until the roots grow? Not remove it at all? Do I mist if they are in a propagator? 3. if I am supposed to leave the vents shut until the roots grow, then do I water ever? And then what? Do I open up the vents and slowly acclimatize them to life outside the propagator? I haven't got a greenhouse so these cuttings are going to have to go in the growhouse (which I have bought to put up for the winter only as I have nowhere to keep it in the summer, only a very small garden ). THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR HELP
You've inspired me ( and it'll get me in the tunnel during the showers )