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You can make cuttings from boxwood by taking softwood stem sections from a healthy plant during early summer.
This simple propagation method lets you create new boxwood shrubs from an existing one without spending much money.
If you’ve been wondering how to make cuttings from boxwood work reliably, the process is easier than most people expect.
The key is knowing when to take your cuttings and how to care for them afterward.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how to make cuttings from boxwood so you can fill your garden with these classic evergreens.
Let’s dig in.
How to Make Cuttings from Boxwood – Timing Is Everything
When you want to learn how to make cuttings from boxwood, timing plays a major role in success.
The best time to make cuttings from boxwood is in early summer when the plant’s new growth has just started to firm up.
Let’s explore why timing matters so much for boxwood cuttings.
1. Early Summer Is the Sweet Spot
The ideal window to make cuttings from boxwood falls between late spring and midsummer.
During this period, the stems are in a softwood stage, which means they’re flexible and green.
Softwood stems root much faster than older, woody stems do.
If you wait until late summer or fall, the wood hardens and rooting becomes slower and less reliable.
2. Softwood Cuttings Root More Reliably
Softwood refers to the flexible, green growth from the current season.
When you make cuttings from boxwood using softwood, they typically root within four to six weeks.
Semihardwood cuttings from later in the season work too, but they take longer and have a lower success rate.
For the highest chance of success, always choose softwood when you make cuttings from boxwood.
3. Choose a Healthy Parent Plant
Before you make cuttings from boxwood, inspect the parent shrub for any signs of disease or pest damage.
A vigorous plant with dense, lush foliage gives you the best chance of successful rooting.
Avoid taking cuttings from stressed or declining plants, as they often fail to root.
Healthy parent plants produce healthy cuttings, plain and simple.
How to Make Cuttings from Boxwood – Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you understand the timing, let’s walk through the actual process of how to make cuttings from boxwood.
Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have rooted cuttings before you know it.
1. Gather the Right Tools
To make cuttings from boxwood, you’ll need clean pruners, a sharp knife, rooting hormone, pots, and a well-draining mix.
Sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol before you start to prevent introducing disease.
A propagation tray or small pots with drainage holes work perfectly for this job.
Having everything ready before you cut makes the whole process smoother.
2. Take the Cutting at the Right Length and Angle
When you make cuttings from boxwood, aim for stems that are about four to six inches long.
Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, as that’s where roots will emerge from.
Use a sharp knife or pruners to avoid crushing the stem tissue.
Remove the lower leaves from the bottom half of the cutting so no foliage sits below the soil line.
Leaving leaves in the soil can cause rot and ruin the cutting.
3. Use Rooting Hormone for Faster Results
Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder or gel before sticking it into the potting mix.
Rooting hormone isn’t strictly required when you make cuttings from boxwood, but it significantly boosts root development.
Tap off any excess powder so the cutting isn’t overloaded with hormone.
A light coating is all you need to stimulate root growth.
4. Insert the Cutting into Moist Medium
Make a hole in the potting mix with a pencil or stick, then gently insert the cutting.
Firm the soil around the base so the cutting stands upright and has good contact with the medium.
Space multiple cuttings a few inches apart to allow airflow between them.
Water the medium lightly after planting to settle the soil around the stems.
How to Make Cuttings from Boxwood – Aftercare That Works
Getting the cutting into soil is only half the battle when you learn how to make cuttings from boxwood.
Proper aftercare determines whether those cuttings actually root and thrive.
1. Create a Humid Environment
Place a clear plastic bag or dome over the pot to trap humidity around the cuttings.
High humidity prevents the leaves from wilting while the cutting develops roots.
Make sure the covering doesn’t touch the leaves by using stakes or a frame for support.
Check the inside of the bag daily and remove any condensation buildup to prevent mold.
2. Provide Indirect Light and Consistent Moisture
Keep the cuttings in bright, indirect light away from direct sun that could bake them.
Check the soil daily and mist or water gently to keep it evenly moist but not soggy.
Overwatering can cause rot, so let the top layer dry slightly between waterings.
A good rule is to water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
3. Watch for Roots and Harden Off Gradually
After about four weeks, gently tug on a cutting to feel for resistance, which signals root growth.
Once roots are established, remove the plastic covering gradually over a week to acclimate the new plants.
Then you can transplant each rooted cutting into its own pot or directly into the garden.
Patience pays off when you make cuttings from boxwood, so don’t rush the process.
So, How Do You Make Cuttings from Boxwood Successfully?
You can make cuttings from boxwood by taking softwood stems in early summer, treating them with rooting hormone, and keeping them humid until roots form.
The process is straightforward once you understand the key steps and timing involved.
Whether you’re expanding a hedge or simply want more boxwood shrubs for your landscape, knowing how to make cuttings from boxwood gives you a cost-effective way to multiply your plants.
Just remember to choose a healthy parent, use clean tools, and provide consistent moisture and humidity during rooting.
With a little patience and care, you’ll have rooted boxwood cuttings ready to plant in no time.