Grow Your Own Gorgeous Boxwood Hedge (Without Breaking the Bank!)
Hey plant lovers! Dreaming of a beautiful, classic boxwood hedge but cringing at the thought of the cost? Me too! That’s why I’m so excited to share my secret weapon: propagating boxwood from cuttings! Trust me, it’s way easier than you think!
Okay, so full disclosure: it does take a little patience. It could be three years or so before those little guys are big enough to form a proper hedge. But the money you’ll save makes it totally worth it, right?
Now, you might be thinking, “Formal hedges? That sounds a bit stuffy!” And you know what? Usually, I’d agree! I’m much more of a relaxed, cottage-garden kind of gal. But lately, I’ve been craving just a touch of structure. Something green and evergreen to add some winter interest when everything else is snoozing. And boxwood? It’s absolutely perfect for that! Think soft, organic shapes, not rigid lines.
What I adore about boxwood (Buxus) is its versatility. So many amazing varieties exist, like “Winter Gem,” which stays beautifully green all winter long. Plus, you can even shape them into fun topiary!
But wait, there’s more! Boxwood is also deer-resistant. HUGE bonus, am I right?!
But here’s the thing: buying enough fully-grown boxwoods to create a lush hedge can seriously dent your wallet. So what’s a budget-conscious gardener to do? Propagate, baby, propagate!
Important note: Make sure you’re only using boxwood varieties that aren’t patented. And definitely steer clear of any that have that unpleasant “cat pee” scent (yuck!). Those are usually English boxwoods.
Let’s Get Cutting: When and How!
The best time to take boxwood cuttings is when you’re already trimming your shrubs in the spring. Hello, free cuttings! You’ll end up with dozens (if not more!) to play with. Some people also trim in late summer (mid-September), so keep that in mind too!
For starters, you’ll need a nice, healthy boxwood. I’m using one in a container right now, but you can use whatever you have in your garden.
See that fresh, bright green growth? That’s what we want! It’s a bit more chartreuse-colored compared to the older growth.
Ready to take some cuttings? Here’s the lowdown:
If you’re new to taking cuttings, you can do what I am doing and clip from a nice potted shrub.
New bright green growth will root quicker than older growth.
- Grab your sharpest pruners or knife and snip off a 4-6 inch stem of that new, lovely growth. I normally use my pruners but some say this pinches the stem therefore prevent it from rooting. If you like, you can make a fresh slice to make sure the stem is open and taking root.
Prepping Your Cuttings for Rooting Success!
Now for a little prep work!
- Strip off the leaves from the bottom inch or two of the cutting. This creates a fresh spot for roots to emerge! Some gardeners use a blade to make a clean open for rooting while I pinch to strip the leaves off.
- I pinch the leaves off to prevent damaging the stem (pulling can strip the surface). But I’m not always super careful, and it hasn’t been a problem for me. But now you know, in case you’d like to be cautious!
- Dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone (this step is optional, but it helps!).
Planting Your Boxwood Slips
Final stretch! Time to get those cuttings into some soil!
- Grab a dauber of some kind, like the back of a Sharpie, to create a slot or hold in the potting mix. The hole in the soil prevents the rooting stem from getting rubbed off as you slide it into the soil.
- Pop several cuttings into each pot. I usually fit 4 or 5 into a 3.5-inch pot. Gently firm the soil around the stems.
- Give them a good watering! You can even cover the pots to create a humid environment (like I show in this post).
Patience is a Virtue: Wait for the Magic to Happen!
Okay, this is where the waiting game begins! I’ve read that boxwood cuttings should root in about 3-4 weeks, but mine always seem to take a bit longer. Don’t panic if it takes a little longer for you too.
But when they do root? Oh, the joy! Look at those healthy roots!
In my video, I share how I pot up this rooted boxwood cutting to grow on into a beautiful bush or shrub.
I’m even experimenting with starting boxwood cuttings directly in my garden. I can’t wait to see how that goes! I will be sure to share how things work out with that.
Have you ever tried propagating boxwood from cuttings? What are your tips and tricks? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
Happy Gardening!