Hardwood cuttings are a reliable method of propagating deciduous and evergreen trees. Take cuttings mid-autumn to late-winter using the current season’s growth.
For evergreen cuttings the same principles apply but make sure you remove any leaves from the end of the shoot that will be inserted into growing medium.
- Cut shoots into sections 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long with about 4 buds.
- Make a horizontal cut below a node at the base of each cutting as well as a sloping cut away from a bud at the top.
- Dip each cutting into rooting gel or hormone, then insert cuttings, upper buds above the soil, into a 6 inch pot of loam-based compost mixed liberally with grit.
- Cuttings will root better if the soil is improved with organic matter. Make a channel using a spade and fill in with sharp sand to improve drainage.
- Insert cuttings 2 inches apart in the pot.
- Place in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse.
Raising trees from hardwood cuttings (RHS, The Garden, December 2017, p.22):
Successful blooms from a newly grafted Damask Rose!! 
Three Damask Rose cuttings.
For Roses & Currants Etc.
- Take hardwood cuttings of roses, black, red & white currant bushes…
- For red & white currant bushes, take cuttings 12 inches long; remove all buds except the top 3 or 4 to ensure bare stems.
- use 50/50 soil and grit.
Philosophising... 