OK Tamarisk. I should really know better than to make categorical statements on these forums. I'd never seen or heard reference to aster cuttings but it seems that they do work. I Googled and interestingly there are very few refs to UK sources for this method of propagation. We just divide the clumps up. I still think the bits in the photos don't look very promisimg cutting material but there's no harm in having a go.

It's an oak leaf hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia. Great plant, and gorgeous fall color as well. I don't know what cultivar, but it sounds like your brother knows what he is talking about. There are a bunch of different cultivars, however.

It's a Cistus. And yes, it's a shrub. it likes full sun and would be happier without the grass growing through it.

1. Leptospermum is a genus of shrubs and small trees in the myrtle family Myrtaceae commonly known as tea tree 2. Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants which includes about 200 species of perennials, succulents, and shrubs, commonly known as geraniums 3. Coleonema pulchellum commonly known as confetti bush, buchu, diosma or breath of heaven, is a shrub which is endemic to South Africa 4. I couldn't find anything for this