A Florist’s Guide: The Easiest Focal Flowers to Grow from Cuttings
Growing flowers from cuttings is an excellent way to propagate favorite varieties without the wait of starting from seeds. Cuttings are particularly effective for plants that root quickly and grow vigorously, making them ideal for florists seeking reliable, beautiful focal flowers for arrangements.
1. Roses (Rosa spp.)
Why Grow Them?
Roses are classic focal flowers with timeless appeal. Many varieties root easily from cuttings, making it cost-effective to propagate a specific color or type.
How to Propagate:
Cutting Type: Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings (taken in late spring or summer).
Steps:
Cut a 6-8 inch stem just below a node.
Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant in moist potting soil or sand, then cover with plastic to retain humidity.
Time to Root: 4-6 weeks.
Florist Tip:
Choose repeat-blooming varieties for a consistent supply of blooms.
2. Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Why Grow Them?
Hydrangeas are lush, voluminous flowers that create a dramatic centerpiece in any arrangement. They propagate easily from cuttings.
How to Propagate:
Cutting Type: Softwood cuttings (taken in early summer).
Steps:
Cut a 5-6 inch stem below a node.
Remove lower leaves and leave only the top set.
Dip in rooting hormone and plant in a mix of peat and perlite. Cover with plastic to maintain humidity.
Time to Root: 2-3 weeks.
Florist Tip:
Blue or pink hydrangeas can shift color depending on soil pH, offering flexibility in arrangements.
3. Dahlias (Dahlia spp.)
Why Grow Them?
Though commonly grown from tubers, dahlias can be propagated from cuttings to quickly multiply prized varieties. Their large, showy blooms are perfect as focal flowers.
How to Propagate:
Cutting Type: Basal cuttings (taken from sprouting tubers).
Steps:
Take a cutting with at least one leaf node from the base of a sprouting tuber.
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting soil.
Place in a warm, bright area.
Time to Root: 2-4 weeks.
Florist Tip:
Pinch back the top once rooted to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
4. Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)
Why Grow Them?
Geraniums, especially the scented and ivy varieties, add a touch of texture and color. They are also incredibly easy to propagate.
How to Propagate:
Cutting Type: Softwood cuttings (taken in spring or summer).
Steps:
Take 4-6 inch cuttings just below a node.
Remove all but the top two leaves.
Plant in well-draining soil and water sparingly to avoid rot.
Time to Root: 2-4 weeks.
Florist Tip:
Geraniums work best in rustic arrangements or as fillers, but larger blooms can also serve as subtle focal points.
5. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)
Why Grow Them?
Chrysanthemums are hardy, long-lasting flowers with versatile shapes and colors that suit various arrangement styles.
How to Propagate:
Cutting Type: Softwood or basal cuttings (taken in spring).
Steps:
Cut 4-6 inch sections from new growth.
Remove the lower leaves and plant in a sand and compost mix.
Keep the cuttings moist and in indirect light.
Time to Root: 2-3 weeks.
Florist Tip:
Pinch back once rooted for bushier plants and more flowers per stem.
6. Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Why Grow Them?
Carnations are classic focal flowers known for their ruffled petals and long vase life. They are easy to propagate from cuttings.
How to Propagate:
Cutting Type: Softwood cuttings (taken in spring or summer).
Steps:
Take 4-5 inch cuttings from non-flowering stems.
Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
Plant in sandy soil and keep consistently moist.
Time to Root: 2-3 weeks.
Florist Tip:
Pair carnations with other bold blooms to balance their textured appearance in arrangements.
7. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Why Grow Them?
Known for their spiky, upright blooms, salvias add both height and vibrancy to floral arrangements. They root easily from cuttings.
How to Propagate:
Cutting Type: Softwood cuttings (taken in late spring or summer).
Steps:
Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting below a leaf node.
Remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in well-draining soil.
Keep in indirect light until rooted.
Time to Root: 2-3 weeks.
Florist Tip:
Salvias pair well with roses or dahlias, adding striking vertical interest.
8. Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum)
Why Grow Them?
Lisianthus features delicate, rose-like blooms that exude elegance in floral designs. They can be propagated via cuttings, though it requires care.
How to Propagate:
Cutting Type: Softwood cuttings (taken in early summer).
Steps:
Take 3-4 inch cuttings with 2-3 leaf nodes.
Dip in rooting hormone and plant in sterile soil.
Provide consistent warmth and humidity using a propagation dome.
Time to Root: 4-6 weeks.
Florist Tip:
Lisianthus thrives in arrangements that call for a romantic or delicate touch.
9. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Why Grow Them?
Lavender’s fragrant blooms and silvery foliage make it a charming focal flower, especially in rustic or minimalist arrangements.
How to Propagate:
Cutting Type: Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings (taken in spring or summer).
Steps:
Cut 3-4 inch stems just below a node.
Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
Plant in sandy soil and keep lightly moist.
Time to Root: 4-6 weeks.
Florist Tip:
Use lavender in dried or fresh arrangements to add fragrance and texture.
By choosing these reliable, easy-to-propagate flowers, florists can expand their garden stock and create stunning arrangements with homegrown blooms. These cuttings ensure a steady supply of vibrant focal flowers while reducing costs and enhancing sustainability.
