7 Perennial Flowers You Can Propagate From Root Cuttings in November
November may seem like the end of the gardening season, but some perennial flowers can provide the starting material for next year’s plants—even when little is happening above ground.
Root cuttings let you grow new plants from sections of healthy roots. For suitable species, this is a practical alternative to sowing seeds or dividing an entire clump.
Oriental poppies, perennial verbascums, border phlox, Japanese anemones, globe thistles, acanthus, and drumstick primulas can all be propagated this way. November is suitable when the plants are dormant or entering dormancy and the ground remains workable.
Success depends on choosing the right plant, protecting the parent’s roots, and keeping the cuttings from becoming either waterlogged or completely dry.
Why Take Root Cuttings in November?
During dormancy, established plants hold stored reserves in their roots. Those reserves can help a detached root section produce new growth. University of Maine Extension identifies the dormant season as the usual time for taking root cuttings.
In many temperate Northern Hemisphere gardens, November falls within that period. The RHS includes perennial poppies, verbascums, and phlox among plants suitable for root propagation during November.
However, follow your garden’s conditions rather than the calendar alone.
In mild regions, plants may still be growing actively. In colder areas, the soil may already be frozen. Choose a time when growth has slowed and you can work the ground without digging through frozen or saturated soil.
Root Cuttings Are Different From Division
Division separates a plant into pieces that already have roots and growing points.
Root cuttings begin with detached root sections that must produce new shoots. There may be no visible bud when you prepare them.
Only certain plants regenerate reliably this way. A perennial that divides easily will not necessarily grow from a root cutting.
1. Oriental Poppy
Botanical name: Papaver orientale and Oriental Group hybrids.
Oriental poppies produce large, papery flowers that bring bold color to late-spring and early-summer borders.
Root propagation is especially useful for garden hybrids because plants grown from collected seed may differ from their parent. The RHS recommends taking root cuttings from Oriental Group poppies in late autumn or early winter.
Choose an established, healthy plant and select firm roots. Substantial sections are suitable for the upright planting method described below.
Prepare your containers before lifting the plant so the exposed roots spend as little time out of the soil as possible.
November tip: Confirm that you have a perennial Oriental poppy. This advice does not apply to every plant commonly called a poppy.
2. Perennial Verbascum
Botanical name: Perennial Verbascum species and hybrids.
Verbascums bring upright flower spikes to sunny borders, creating contrast with rounded flowers and softer foliage.
The genus includes biennials and short-lived perennials, so identify your plant before starting. Choose a perennial garden variety rather than assuming every mullein is suitable.
Winter root cuttings are a recognized propagation method for suitable cultivars. For example, the RHS recommends this approach for Verbascum ‘Royal Highland’.
Use healthy roots from a vigorous plant. Avoid collecting material from a specimen that is weak, recently planted, or showing signs of rot.
November tip: Label the pot with the variety name immediately. Bare root sections are difficult to identify later.
3. Border Phlox
Botanical name: Phlox paniculata.
Border phlox produces clusters of summer flowers and is useful for repeating color through a perennial bed.
The RHS recommends winter root cuttings as one way to increase border phlox. Other options include division and spring basal cuttings.
Its roots are often thinner than those of Oriental poppies. Longer sections laid horizontally are more practical than trying to stand delicate roots upright.
Keep the sections in good contact with the growing medium and cover them lightly.
November tip: This recommendation concerns tall border phlox. Do not automatically apply it to creeping phlox or other species with different growth habits.
4. Japanese Anemone
Botanical names: Anemone × hybrida and related Japanese anemones, also classified under Eriocapitella.
Japanese anemones extend the flowering season with blooms that appear after many summer perennials have finished.
They grow readily from root cuttings, making this a useful method for increasing a healthy clump.
Use the horizontal method for thinner roots, handling them gently and keeping them from drying out.
Before propagating, consider where the new plants will go. If your existing clump already spreads farther than you want, making more may not be the best use of space.
November tip: Keep anemone cuttings in their own labeled tray so you can monitor them without disturbing other plants.
5. Globe Thistle
Botanical name: Echinops ritro.
Globe thistles produce distinctive spherical flower heads that contrast with spikes, daisies, and flat-topped flowers.
The RHS lists winter root cuttings as a propagation method for Echinops ritro.
Choose a well-established plant and take a modest amount of healthy material. Match the planting method to the thickness of the roots you collect.
Wear gloves when working around prickly foliage or old stems.
November tip: Have your pots ready before exposing the roots, and avoid leaving prepared sections uncovered on the bench.
6. Bear’s Breeches
Botanical names: Acanthus mollis and Acanthus spinosus.
Acanthus combines broad, architectural foliage with tall flower spikes. Root cuttings are a recognized propagation method for Acanthus spinosus.
This plant needs careful handling because root fragments left behind can regenerate. Disturbing a clump may result in shoots appearing where pieces remain in the soil.
Collect the material deliberately, and do not scatter unwanted pieces through the planting bed.
November tip: Make sure you have a suitable permanent location before producing additional acanthus plants.
7. Drumstick Primula
Botanical name: Primula denticulata.
Drumstick primulas produce rounded heads of spring flowers above rosettes of leaves.
They offer a different flowering season and shape from the taller summer-flowering plants on this list.
Kew describes Primula denticulata as a clump-forming perennial with thick roots and confirms that root cuttings can be taken during dormancy.
Choose a mature clump with enough healthy roots to spare. Leave small or recently planted specimens undisturbed.
November tip: Check the botanical name. This recommendation is specific to drumstick primula, not every primrose.
What You Need Before You Start
Prepare these materials before lifting a plant:
- A garden fork or hand fork.
- Clean, sharp secateurs or a knife.
- Clean pots or trays with drainage holes.
- Fresh, freely draining propagation medium.
- Horticultural grit or perlite.
- Plant labels and a pencil.
- A sheltered place to overwinter the cuttings.
For this basic dormant-season method, a heated indoor propagation setup is generally unnecessary.
How to Collect Roots Without Weakening the Parent Plant
Choose a vigorous plant with no obvious signs of disease.
Where practical, lift it carefully and remove enough soil to see the roots. Select firm, healthy sections and reject soft, damaged, or rotting material.
Take only a modest amount. Garden Organic advises removing no more than one-third of the root system and returning the parent plant to the ground promptly. Treat that as an upper limit, not a target.
For a first attempt, a few cuttings are enough.
Keep exposed roots from drying while you work. For a large plant that would be difficult to lift, carefully exposing a few accessible outer roots may be more practical.
How to Prepare Thick Root Cuttings
Substantial roots, such as those often obtained from Oriental poppies and perennial verbascums, can be planted vertically.
- Cut healthy roots into sections approximately 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long.
- Keep track of the end that was nearest the parent plant’s crown.
- Make a straight cut at that upper end and an angled cut at the lower end.
- Insert the sections upright into the prepared medium, with the crown end facing upward.
- Position the upper end at or just below the surface and add a light covering of grit.
The different cuts help you remember orientation. Garden Organic describes this method for thicker root sections and recommends planting promptly to prevent drying.
How to Prepare Thin Root Cuttings
Thin roots, including those of phlox and Japanese anemones, are usually easier to plant horizontally.
Cut sections approximately 3–5 inches (7.5–12.5 cm) long. Lay them flat on the growing medium, about an inch apart, and cover with roughly ⅜ inch (1 cm) of compost.
Longer sections provide more stored reserves than very small fragments. The RHS recommends this approach for thin-rooted perennials.
University of Florida guidance also distinguishes horizontal planting for smaller roots from upright planting for larger sections.
Label each container with the plant name and preparation date.
How to Care for Root Cuttings Through Winter
Keep the medium lightly moist and allow excess water to drain.
A cold frame can provide useful shelter in a moderate winter climate. However, it does not offer the same protection as a heated structure. In regions with prolonged severe freezing, use locally appropriate protection for small pots.
Avoid leaving trays exposed to persistent heavy rain.
Until the cuttings have developed functioning roots and strong growth, excessive watering increases the risk of rot.
Check periodically without digging them up. Once shoots appear, provide adequate light and ventilation.
When Can You Pot Up the New Plants?
Root cuttings require patience. Some may show growth sooner, while others remain quiet until spring.
A new shoot is encouraging, but it does not prove the cutting has enough roots to support itself outdoors.
Wait until there is both healthy growth and a developed root system before transferring plants into individual pots. Continue growing them on until they are sturdy enough for planting out. The RHS recommends potting well-rooted cuttings in spring and allowing additional growing time before garden planting.
Do not expect every cutting to flower during its first season.
Common Root-Cutting Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing an unsuitable plant. Not every perennial can regenerate from detached roots.
Taking too much root material. The parent plant needs sufficient roots to recover and grow.
Allowing cuttings to dry out. Prepare containers first and work promptly.
Planting upright sections upside down. Mark the ends while their original orientation is clear.
Keeping the medium saturated. Moisture is necessary, but roots also need air.
Discarding pots too early. Little visible winter activity does not automatically mean failure.
Expecting variegated plants to reproduce reliably. Some variegated plants are chimeras, and shoots produced from roots may not retain their leaf pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take root cuttings after the first frost?
Yes, a light frost does not necessarily end the opportunity. Work while the plant is dormant and the soil remains suitable. Avoid frozen or waterlogged ground.
Do root cuttings need leaves attached?
No. Suitable plants can produce new shoots from a section of root without attached leaves.
Do I need rooting hormone?
It is generally unnecessary for the basic methods described here. Healthy roots, correct placement, and appropriate moisture are more important.
Can I grow root cuttings in water?
These methods use a propagation medium. Follow the recommended approach for the species rather than treating root sections like leafy houseplant cuttings.
Will the new plants resemble the parent?
Vegetative propagation generally preserves the parent’s characteristics. Some variegated plants are an exception.
Can I plant root cuttings directly into the garden?
Some species can be propagated in prepared outdoor beds. Pots or trays make small batches easier to label, protect, and monitor.
Which plants are good for a first attempt?
Oriental poppies and suitable perennial verbascums are established choices for upright root cuttings. Border phlox is useful for trying the horizontal method.
