Complete Gardening
September is a golden opportunity for plant lovers to get creative and multiply their garden favorites. As the heat of summer fades, the cooler temperatures provide the perfect environment for plants to take root and thrive in their new homes.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting, this is the time to get hands-on with propagation, ensuring you’ll have strong, vibrant plants come spring.
Imagine walking through your garden next season, surrounded by flourishing plants you grew from simple cuttings or divisions. The process is not only budget-friendly but deeply rewarding—you’ll nurture life from clippings and watch them transform into thriving greenery.
So, are you ready to discover the top plants to propagate this September and how to make the most of this gardening window?
24 Easy September Plants for Thriving Garden
1. Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender is a fragrant herb that thrives in dry, well-drained soil. To propagate lavender, take semi-hardwood cuttings in early September. Make sure the cuttings are 3-4 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Place them in a potting mix, and within a few weeks, you should see root development.
2. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Rosemary, another hardy herb, can be propagated from softwood cuttings. Choose non-flowering stems that are 6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and plant them in a sandy potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should root within a few weeks.
3. Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.)
September is ideal for propagating hydrangeas through cuttings or layering. Take 6-inch cuttings from the newer growth of the plant. Make sure the cuttings have at least one leaf node, as this is where new roots will develop. Place them in a rooting medium, and keep the humidity high.
4. Hostas (Hosta spp.)
Hostas are shade-loving plants that can be divided in September. Dig up the clump and carefully separate the root system into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has several shoots. Replant immediately, and water well to help them establish before winter.
5. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a drought-tolerant succulent perfect for propagation in September. Take leaf cuttings or divide existing plants. Both methods work well, and sedum will quickly establish itself in well-drained soil.
6. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)
Chrysanthemums, or mums, can be propagated through cuttings or division. Taking 4-5 inch cuttings in September allows them to root before winter sets in. Alternatively, dividing mature plants ensures stronger growth in the next blooming season.
7. Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)
Geraniums are tender perennials that can be propagated from softwood cuttings in September. Cuttings should be around 4 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and plant them in well-drained soil. Keep the cuttings moist but avoid overwatering.
8. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil can be propagated easily from cuttings. Select a 4-inch cutting from healthy growth, strip the lower leaves, and place it in water. Roots will appear within a week or two. Once roots are established, transplant the cutting into soil.
9. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia cuttings can be taken in September for propagation. Choose a 6-inch section of softwood and remove the lower leaves. Plant the cutting in a potting mix and keep it in a warm, humid location until roots form.
10. Fuchsias (Fuchsia spp.)
Fuchsias can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings in early September. Cut a 4-6 inch section and remove the lower leaves. Place it in a potting mix with good drainage, and the cutting will root in a few weeks.
11. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint is a prolific grower and can be propagated through cuttings or division. Take cuttings from non-flowering shoots, place them in water until roots develop, and then plant them in soil.
12. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme can be propagated from softwood cuttings or by division. Take 4-inch cuttings from healthy plants and remove the lower leaves. Place the cuttings in sandy soil and keep them moist. Thyme will root and be ready for transplanting in a few weeks.
13. Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
Echinacea, or coneflower, can be propagated from seeds or by division in September. To divide, dig up the plant and carefully separate the root clumps. Plant the divisions immediately to give them time to establish before the colder weather.
14. Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Phlox can be divided in September. Lift the plant carefully, and use a sharp knife to separate the roots. Replant the divisions, making sure they have enough room to grow.
15. Peonies (Paeonia spp.)
Peonies can be propagated by division in September. Dig up the entire root system and divide it into sections, each containing at least three “eyes” (growth buds). Replant the divisions at the same depth as they were originally growing.
16. Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum)
Shasta daisies are easy to propagate by division. Lift the clump, divide it into smaller sections, and replant immediately. September is ideal for this, as it allows the plants time to establish before winter.
17. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Penstemon can be propagated from softwood cuttings in September. Take 4-6 inch cuttings, strip the lower leaves, and plant them in a well-draining mix. Keep the soil moist, and the cuttings should root within a month.
18. Hellebores (Helleborus spp.)
Hellebores are best propagated through division in early September. Lift the plant carefully, divide the root ball into sections, and replant each section in a shaded location with moist, well-drained soil.
19. Ivy (Hedera spp.)
Ivy is a hardy, evergreen plant that can be propagated from cuttings in September. Take 6-inch cuttings from healthy growth, strip the lower leaves, and plant them in soil or water until they root. Ivy will establish itself quickly before winter.
20. Hebe (Hebe spp.)
Hebe is a versatile shrub that can be propagated through softwood cuttings in September. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy growth, remove the lower leaves, and plant them in well-drained soil. Hebe roots quickly in mild temperatures, making it an excellent candidate for propagation this month.
21. Felicia (Felicia amelloides)
This cheerful, daisy-like flower can be propagated from cuttings. Take 3-4 inch softwood cuttings in September, remove the lower leaves, and place them in a potting mix. Keep the cuttings warm, and they should root within a couple of weeks.
22. Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora)
Lemon verbena is a fragrant herb that propagates well from cuttings. Take a 6-inch cutting from the softwood and place it in water or a sandy soil mix. Keep it in a warm location, and roots should form within a few weeks.
23. Verbena (Verbena spp.)
Verbena can be propagated by softwood cuttings. Take 4-inch cuttings in September and remove the lower leaves. Plant them in moist, well-drained soil, and keep the environment warm and humid. Verbena is quick to root and will establish itself before winter.
24. Helichrysum (Helichrysum spp.)
Also known as everlasting flowers, Helichrysum can be propagated from cuttings or seeds. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in September, around 4 inches long, and place them in a sandy mix. Keep the cuttings in indirect sunlight, and they should root within a few weeks.
Propagating plants in September is an excellent way to expand your garden and prepare for the next growing season.
With a wide range of options, from fragrant herbs like rosemary and lemon verbena to vibrant flowers like hydrangeas and chrysanthemums, this is the ideal month to take advantage of cooler temperatures and favorable growing conditions.
By propagating through cuttings, divisions, or seeds, you can establish a healthy variety of plants that will thrive come spring.
Whether you’re focusing on perennials, shrubs, or herbs, the plants you propagate now will reward you with beautiful blooms and lush growth in the months ahead.
So, gather your tools and get ready to multiply your garden’s beauty and productivity!