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Penstemon cuttings

GranniegardenerGranniegardener Posts: 65
in Plants
I took a few penstemon cuttings back in May. They are all doing really well, but some are flowering! Is it best to remove the flowering tips? I really hate to remove flowers, but think it may be for the best to allow the plants to branch out. Any advice gratefully received.

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  • GranniegardenerGranniegardener Posts: 65

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,569
    I'd pinch the flowers out to keep the strength for producing a good strong plant
    Devon.
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 14,364
    I would also pinch out the tips of the non flowering stems, that will help to make bushy plants.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,569
    I'm really greedy. Some of those tall ones could be cut in half to encourage bushiness, AND give you another cutting.
    Devon.
  • Janie BJanie B Posts: 943
    I always take penstemon cuttings in the Autumn, didn't realise they could be taken in Spring. Is there a recommended time to take them? Or are they as easy to grow whenever...?
    Lincolnshire
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,569
    I think NOW is the usual time. Mid summer, growing away strongly, long daylight hours etc. 
    I've cut mine back in April and used that material for cuttings with 100% success.
    Devon.
  • Janie BJanie B Posts: 943
    @Hostafan1
    Thanks for that. So, if I take the cuttings now, I'm guessing they're kept inside over Winter and planted out next Spring? 
    Lincolnshire
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,569
    I put about 6 cuttings into a 4" pot and then pot them on once they've rooted. I keep them in the polytunnel until next Spring then out they go
    Devon.
  • GranniegardenerGranniegardener Posts: 65
    Thanks everyone. I'll pinch them all out. I have to say that I always do the same as @Hostafan1 and use the cuttings from tidying up in Spring, and this year have got pretty much 100% success rate. I never put them under cover, as by Autumn they are usually planted out of potted up and manage to last the winter, but I am in Kent, I suppose I'm lucky weather-wise.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,569
    Granniegardener said:
    Thanks everyone. I'll pinch them all out. I have to say that I always do the same as @Hostafan1 and use the cuttings from tidying up in Spring, and this year have got pretty much 100% success rate. I never put them under cover, as by Autumn they are usually planted out of potted up and manage to last the winter, but I am in Kent, I suppose I'm lucky weather-wise.
    Maybe I'm just not organised enough to get the out in Autumn?? ;)
    Devon.
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