I decided taken a few cuttings from my hebe bush and they have rooted nicely.  The cuttings were taken only few weeks ago, hebes’ are pretty good at rooting quickly and the flowers they produce attract the bees and  odd butterfly.  For a detailed description of how to take cutting successfully how about getting a copy of Plant Propagation (Royal Horticultural Society’s Encyclopaedia of Practical Gardening).  This book has excellent photos that demonstrate where and how to take a cutting of your plant / shrub and the materials you will need. I enjoy taking cuttings and to ensure a good success rate I usually take around 8 or 10 depending how big the plant (just making sure I don’t leave the plant / shrub with no foliage left).  However if your plant / shrub is large and of course if you have the room why not take a few more.  Remember that not all the cuttings will survive, but hey if they do well done you!