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Penstemon cuttings

BettyWalesBettyWales Posts: 71
in Plants
I've recently given several penstemons their annual pruning and made quite a collection of cuttings. I didn't have any rooting powder to put them in pots so I've opted to put them in water instead.
I treated them in the same way i.e. trimmed them and removed lower leaves but was wondering if anyone can suggest how long before I see any roots please? Nothing showing yet but it's only been about a week. I know I've got to be patient but any tips to encourage roots gratefully received :-)

Posts

  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    I never use rooting powder and Penstemon cuttings grow very well in compost.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    @B3 did some in water a few years ago and may be able to advise  :)
  • BettyWalesBettyWales Posts: 71
    Thanks if I don’t need rooting powder I may split them and see how pots versus water perform! I don’t have a greenhouse so would the potted cuttings need to stay indoors for now or be ok outside in a sheltered spot maybe with a poly bag over the pot? We’re still getting chilly nights here!
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I’ve never used rooting powder for anything, I do penstemon cuttings in water only because if the don’t all take, you’ve got the bother of tipping out the compost. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • cornellycornelly Posts: 970
    Never needed rooting powder to root penstemons, root them in compost.
  • Butterfly66Butterfly66 Posts: 970
    I always do them in water and they also divide easily. 
     If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”—Marcus Tullius Cicero
    East facing, top of a hill clay-loam, cultivated for centuries (7 years by me). Birmingham
  • BettyWalesBettyWales Posts: 71
    Seems either way is both popular and successful so may well try both myself. Thanks for the tips!
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