Where standard stem cuttings prove difficult to root, then heel cuttings usually have a much better success rate. These have a piece of older, parent wood at the base, which is less prone to rotting.
Heel cuttings can be taken from any type of stem - softwood, green wood, semi-ripe and hardwood - and at any time of year.
They are also a useful way of propagating plants with pithy stems.
Ceanothus, Lavandula and Rosmarinus are commonly propagated from heel cuttings.