The perennials can be propagated by different methods. Cutting is one of the most commonly used methods of propagation of perennials. The clipping is made at a sharp short diagonal, just below a node or joint. The cutting is wrapped in damp newspaper. Exposure to the air for half an hour or more is very essential. But this is not applicable to the milk juice exuding plants. For such cuttings, water is sprinkled and then exposed to air for two hours.

Leaf propagation also can be used for many perennials. This method is applicable for the plants with thick fleshy leaves such as begonias and gloxinia. The leaf stem is dipped in the rooting medium. Another method is to place the leaf flat on the rooting medium. It is kept down by putting the pebbles. A slight cut is given at the main vein of the leaf. The use of plant hormone increases the chances of leaf propagation. It is done in case of the plants that are difficult to propagate by this method. Use of hormones is successful for the plants like holly, magnolia, taxus and many others.

Propagation by dividing clumps is one of the simplest methods. It is also good for the old divided plants. If perennials are left in clumps for too long period, then they get deteriorated. The plants are carefully removed from the soil in clumps. They are divided by pulling them apart. The care is taken that the roots should not be injured. The divided plants are potted and should be well fertilized and watered.

Another simple method for propagation is layering. This method is useful for the plants which root easily when their stems are in contact with the ground. It is applicable particularly for the broad-leaved evergreen plants. Simple layering includes inserting the supple stems of the plants into the adjacent soil by bending and burying them. Black raspberries can be propagated by this method. If the plant has less supple stem, a notch about 18 inches from the tip of the stem is cut. Then the branch is bent to the ground and the notched portion is covered with soil. This type of layering is good if done in spring or summer. The leaves are removed from the stem before using for the propagation.

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