Elderflower cuttings - where am I going wrong?

Apparently Elderflower are easy to grow from cuttings. Sadly though that's not the case for me - over the past 6 weeks or so I've taken a number of Elderflower cuttings and only one has rooted. I haven't had any great problems with cuttings taken from other plants.

I use a decent cuttings compost (but no rooting hormone).

I think one problem may be that I have difficulty finding Elderflower stems with new soft growth, most of it is semi-hard and I assume that this won't root easily.

Can anyone advise please? I have a few Elderflower bushes to choose from in a hedgerow bordering my land.

 

I successfully taken them later in the year when the stems are much woodier, but a while before the leaves die, stripping lower leaves and placing in a jar of water in my greenhouse until roots form and then potting up.

If you intend to use the flowers for cordials or wine, check they don't smell of cat pee before using those bushes for propagation.

P.S. I think that I found cuttings about 225mm/9" long worked best.

 

I'm surprised that they take so well in a jar of water, especially with woody stems. You obviously have very green fingers.

I'll definitely try your method, in fact even though it's too early I might try some woodier stems now in a jar of water and see how it goes.

How long does it usually take for roots to show?

Also, I don't have a greenhouse - bearing that in mind, should I be doing anything extra, such as covering them with a plastic bag? Or just keep them in a warm room out of direct sunlight?

 

Not tried elderberry cuttings, but most shrubs root quite well from what is known as semi ripe cuttings, thats usually about now, using this seasons growth that is just becoming woody.

Soft tip cuttings often wilt too badly before they get a chance to root.

 

I see, that's most useful to know. Thank you.