Propagation by Division

• 1). Dig out the root ball of a plant. Creeping myrtle stems root where they touch the ground, so it can be hard to find the original plant in the tangle of growth. Once you locate it, dig a shallow 3-inch trench around the plant and then dig downward. When your cuts meet, push the shovel down and up, and pop out the root ball. You may do this in fall or early spring.
  
  
• 2). Lay the plant on its side with the root ball exposed. Cut the plant into pieces. The number of pieces depends on the size of the plant. On average each piece should have three to four stems and a healthy portion of roots to thrive.
  
  
• 3). Dig holes deep enough to hold the root mass and add 1 to 2 inches of compost to the soil. This is a good time to amend the soil and add some nutrients back to the earth. Plant the divisions until just the roots are covered and compact the soil. Water in well until puddles form on the surface of the soil for good compaction.
  
  

Propagation from Cuttings

• 1). Take cuttings in early summer when the plant material is still soft and young. Prepare pots with a mixture of half potting soil and half sand. Moisten the planting medium until just damp.
  
  
• 2). Use clean garden shears to remove cuttings from the ends of the creeping myrtle. Cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long and end with a growth node or branching area. Strip an inch of leaves off the cut end of the plant and dip it into rooting hormone, if you wish. This may speed up rooting but creeping myrtle will root without it.
  
  
• 3). Push the cut end 1 inch into the planting medium. Mist the cutting and then cover with a plastic bag. Remove the pot to a low light area that is 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep misting the cuttings when they feel dry. Once the cutting has rooted, remove the plastic and grow as usual.