Question
can you tell me how to take a cutting of a red robin

Answer
Hello Neville

You need to take what are called semi-ripe cuttings in July/August.

Semi-ripe means that the new growth is at that stage between being very soft and bendy and mature woody growth - when you bend the new growth about 4" down there should be a little resistance, but the stem shouldn't snap.

You will need:  About 6 cuttings (some cuttings will fail, so it is best to have plenty!)
               Sharp, clean secateurs
               Two 4 inch pots (measured across the top)
               Something to use as a dibber (for making planting holes in the compost -
               I tend to use a pencil!
               Multi-purpose potting compost
               Fresh water in watering can
               Cold frame and/or clear plastic bags

Fill the plant pots with compost.  You can plant 3 cuttings per 4" pot.

Take cuttings about 4"-6" long, just below a leaf node (this is where the leaves join the stem)

Remove the bottom 2 or 3 leaves and cut out the tip of the cutting.

Make a hole with the dibber and place the cutting into it to just below a leaf - you could use hormone rooting powder, but it really isn't necessary!  Firm the compost around the cutting.

When you have the 3 cuttings in the pot, give it a sharp tap on the potting bench (or whatever you are using as a potting bench!), to settle the compost.

Water the cuttings and place the pot in a clear bag, securing the top with a bag tie. You shouldn't need to water them again.

The pots can be placed in the cold frame, if you have one.  If you don't have a cold frame put the pots somewhere warm, but not in direct sunlight.  A wide window sill is ideal.

After about 2 weeks, check the cuttings for new growth at the tops - this will indicate that roots are being formed.  If you don't see new growth, leave the cuttings in the bag and check at weekly intervals until you do see new growth.  

When the new growth is looking sturdy, you can then replant each cutting into its own 3.5" pot and grow it on until it is big enough to go into a bigger pot - this is known as potting-on and is done when the roots are filling the pot.

Once a cutting is about a foot tall it can be planted out into the garden either in early autumn or late spring.  It will need to be kept watered during dry spells in the first growing season.  In following years the plant should be able to take care of itself.

You can follow this procedure for most shrubs - though there are always exceptions to the rule!

Isn't it great to get new plants for free!

Gill