The Perennial Shrub You Should Propagate In December For Double The Plants In Spring

December isn't really considered a big gardening month for most of the United States, but there are several gardening tasks that can be done during this time that make anticipating spring even more exciting. American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is one perennial shrub that should be propagated in December while it is dormant for big rewards in the springtime, like double the amount of plants! American beautyberry is popular for its resilience, bright purple berries, and low maintenance, which makes it a joy to care for. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 12, this is the perfect berry-producing shrub that will keep birds and wildlife fed all fall and winter. If you want to get additional plants from your American beautyberry to add to your yard or give away to friends, you can propagate from cuttings you take from the shrub. 

Propagating from hardwood cuttings is an easy method for gardeners. It can take several months for cuttings to develop new roots, which is why December is the perfect month to get your cuttings from your American beautyberry. These shrubs start producing new growth in the springtime, so by propagating in December, your new cuttings will be ready to plant in spring. In the late summer and fall, you will see those bright, vibrant berries that are so popular with wildlife. If you want to draw a lot of birds to your garden, the cardinals will flock to your yard for the berries on this beautiful bush. 

Soft cuttings are taken in May and June, but hardwood cuttings are best taken when the beautyberry shrub is in its dormant phase, which is in winter. Before starting any cuts, make sure to clean and disinfect your gardening tools so they are sharp and ready to go. To properly get cuttings from your shrub, look for sturdy stems from mature branches. For the best chance of rooting success, you want stems that were new growth in the summer and have since hardened off. Prune so that your cuttings are around 8 inches long. Avoid taking cuttings from any branches that appear weak or that have diseases or pests. Remove any leaves on the cuttings to prepare them for propagating.

Next, dip the ends in rooting hormone before planting in your potting mix. Rooting hormone is not mandatory, but it can significantly improve the chances of the hardwood cuttings taking root. A good potting mix for hardwood cuttings will contain peat moss or coir mix along with perlite for exceptional drainage, an important factor in the successful growth of cuttings. Make a hole in the potting mix with your finger or a pencil, and place the cutting inside the hole. Press the potting mix down lightly around the cutting and add more mix if needed. You can place several cuttings in one container to save space. Place the container where it can get plenty of bright indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight. Check on your cuttings daily and add water as needed to keep the mix moist but not saturated. It will usually take around six to eight weeks for the cutting to take root.