Boxwoods are a classic and versatile evergreen shrub for gardens Their dense foliage and ability to be pruned makes them ideal for hedges, topiary, and providing structure in garden beds However, boxwoods are relatively slow growing, only putting on around 6 inches of new growth per year. So starting them from small cuttings can be a long process to establish mature plants. If you’re looking to add boxwoods to your garden but want to save money by propagating your own from cuttings, here’s what to expect for their growth rate and care.
How Long Does It Take Boxwood Cuttings to Root?
The first step in growing boxwoods from cuttings is getting them to root. This can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months on average. Here are some factors that affect how quickly your cuttings may root:
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Time of year – The best time to take cuttings is in late summer or early fall when growth is starting to harden off Spring can work too but has slower rooting Avoid late fall.
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Rooting hormones – Using a powdered rooting hormone can significantly speed up rooting, It’s not mandatory but highly recommended
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Growing medium – Use a well-draining mix low in fertility. Combinations of perlite, vermiculite, sand, and peat work well.
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Moisture – Keep the growing medium moist but not soaked during the rooting period.
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Light – Bright indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct hot sun.
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Warmth – Warm temperatures between 65-75°F will encourage faster rooting.
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Air circulation – Some airflow reduces risk of fungus but avoid drying out the cuttings.
Check cuttings after 1 month for resistance when gently tugged. New growth and roots emerging from the bottom are other signs your cutting has rooted.
How Much Do Boxwood Cuttings Grow in the First Year?
Once your boxwood cuttings have developed roots, don’t expect much top growth right away. Here’s a general timeline for growth in the first year:
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At rooting – Rooted cuttings will just be single stems with a few leaves. No significant top growth yet.
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Early spring – You may see the first flush of new growth happen. But we’re talking just an inch or two of new leaves.
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Summer – Growth slowly continues but total will likely be just 2-4 inches for the entire first year.
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Next spring – This second spring is when you’ll finally see more significant growth, potentially 4-8 inches of new foliage.
How Fast Do Established Boxwoods Grow per Year?
Once your boxwood cuttings make it through the first year and are established in your garden, you can expect the following average growth rates:
- Years 1-2: 4-8 inches per year
- Years 3-5: 6-12 inches per year
- Years 5-10: 8-18 inches per year
- Years 10+: 12-24 inches per year
These rates can vary based on the boxwood variety, climate, soil, sun exposure, and pruning. But in general, expect no more than 2 feet of new growth annually on established boxwoods. Anything more is exceptional.
The fastest growing boxwood cultivars like ‘Winter Gem’, ‘Green Mountain’, and ‘Green Velvet’ may reach close to 2 feet per year in ideal conditions. Slower kinds may only grow 6 inches yearly.
When Can You Plant Out Boxwood Cuttings?
Boxwood cuttings can technically be planted out in the garden as soon as they’ve rooted. However, this risks losing them over winter if you live in a colder climate. It’s better to let them establish roots in pots for a full year before planting out.
If you do plant immediately, choose a protected location, amend the soil with compost, and provide winter mulch. Keep them well watered their first year. Transplanting in early spring gives them the whole growing season to establish before winter.
Container grown boxwoods are more portable if you anticipate moving in the next couple years. Just make sure to gradually acclimate them to outside conditions in spring before planting so they don’t shock.
Caring for Your Boxwood Cuttings
Here are some tips for looking after your boxwood cuttings:
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Overwinter new cuttings in a cool spot like an unheated garage or basement. Avoid freezing temps.
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Water whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Avoid soggy soil.
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Fertilize in spring with a balanced organic fertilizer or slow-release spikes.
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Prune lightly in early spring to shape and encourage dense growth.
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Monitor for common boxwood pests like leafminer and treat accordingly.
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Plant in well-draining soil in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.
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Add protective winter mulch around the base after the ground freezes.
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Transplant into garden when rooted cuttings are one year old, in early spring.
Final Tips for Growing Boxwoods from Cuttings
Here are a few final tips to help your boxwood cuttings get established successfully:
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Take plenty of cuttings because not all may root – aim for double the number of plants you want.
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Use new growth for cuttings and remove the bottom leaves.
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Dip cuttings in rooting hormone before inserting in the growing medium.
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Maintain high humidity around the cuttings until rooted by using a plastic tent or misting.
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Keep cuttings sheltered for their first winter if you live where it freezes.
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Transplant into the garden after one year when plants are larger and stronger.
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Be very patient – boxwoods are naturally slow growing plants, especially from small cuttings.
Growing boxwoods from cuttings requires patience as they are slow to establish and put on new growth. But with proper care you can propagate your own boxwood hedges and topiaries at a fraction of the cost of buying plants. Just don’t expect instant results!
When to Take Boxwood Cuttings
Most sources say that late summer or early fall, when spring growth is beginning to get woody, is the best time of year to take boxwood cuttings. Iâve had success taking cuttings in both July and August, though others have had success taking cuttings in late spring from fresh new growth. Just avoid taking cuttings too late into fall. Cutting boxwood encourages new growth to form that is easily damaged by frosts and harsh winter weather.Â
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Whatever time of year you choose to take your cuttings, take them early in the morning before the stems lose too much moisture from the midday sun. Â
How to Take Cuttings from Boxwoods
- Prepare your pots with moistened growing medium in advance. You can fit several cuttings into a small 3-4 inch pot. (I aim to fit 12-16 cuttings into 4 inch pots).
- Using a sharp knife or sharpened pruners, cut 4-6 inch lengths of stem from the fresh outer growth of the boxwood. Transfer each stem to the jar of water, submerging the stems as you would cut flowers, while you take the rest of your cuttings.Â
- Strip the leaves from the bottom of each cutting, leaving 3 or 4 leaves at the top. Some say stripping some of the stem helps with rooting so, if desired, run the blade of your knife or pruners down the length of the stem, scraping off some of the outer layer to reveal the green interior. Â
- If using, transfer a bit of powdered rooting hormone to a shallow dish and dip the bottom of each cutting stem into the powder, shaking to remove excess. This step is not essential, you will get rooted cuttings without it, but it should speed up the process and increase your success rate.
- Using a toothpick or pencil, poke holes into the growing medium and stick each cutting into one of the holes. This ensures that the growing medium does not remove the rooting powder from the stem as you push it into the pot. Pat down the soil around each stem to ensure contact between the cutting and the soil.
- If you want, cover the pots with a plastic bag and transfer them to a warm location with bright indirect sunlight while you wait for them to root. Do not place them in direct sun. The rooting process should take anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months, but may take longer.
DIY Easy Boxwood (Buxus) Propagation | How To Grow Boxwood From Cuttings & Create Your Own Hedge
FAQ
How long does it take to grow boxwood from cuttings?
These cuttings will remain here through the winter and then be transplanted in the outdoor “nursery” garden once they have well-established roots. And in two to three years, they will be beautiful shrubs ready to place in the gardens! Growing your own boxwood from cuttings… it’s a good thing. And a fun thing.
How do you make boxwoods grow faster?
Keep the soil at a consistent level of moisture but don’t let it sit in standing water. Also, consider trimming back any overgrowth to encourage more vigorous growth. Lastly, be sure to give the plants plenty of sunlight so they can photosynthesize properly to help them reach their full potential.
Are boxwoods hard to propagate?
The easiest and fastest way to propagate boxwoods is by taking stem cuttings from your existing boxwood plants. Looking for more ways to propagate plants? Learn how to grow your own vegetables from seed.
How long does it take a boxwood to grow to full size?
Generally 3-5 inches a year and is a favorite among fast growing evergreen shrubs that reach a mature height of 10-15 feet and 6-10 feet in width.
How fast does boxwood grow?
So, lets take a look at the growth rate of different boxwood varieties to find the right one for you. How fast do boxwood grow? Overall, boxwoods have a very slow growth rate that’s typically 6 inches or less per year. The fastest growing boxwood varieties are Sprinter, Winter Gem and Wintergreen, growing 4-6″ per year.
Should you propagate boxwood from cuttings?
If you’re willing to substitute time and patience for that money, propagating boxwood from cuttings is well worth the effort. Propagating plants is the practice of transforming one plant into many either by saving seed, taking stem cuttings or layering.
When should you cut boxwood?
Cutting boxwood encourages new growth to form that is easily damaged by frosts and harsh winter weather. Whatever time of year you choose to take your cuttings, take them early in the morning before the stems lose too much moisture from the midday sun. Prepare your pots with moistened growing medium in advance.
How long does a boxwood take to root?
Patience is required! Boxwoods will root easily from a simple 4 to 5 inch cutting in a standard rooting medium like sand, peat, peat/sand, peat/perlite, or even potting soil. It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for roots to form. Rooting hormone may speed the rooting along but isn’t absolutely necessary.
How do you cut boxwood?
Using a sharp knife or sharpened pruners, cut 4-6 inch lengths of stem from the fresh outer growth of the boxwood. Transfer each stem to the jar of water, submerging the stems as you would cut flowers, while you take the rest of your cuttings. Strip the leaves from the bottom of each cutting, leaving 3 or 4 leaves at the top.
How do you root a boxwood tree?
Cut 3- to 4-inch (7.5 to 10 cm.) tips of new growth with a sharp knife. Pruning shears or scissors pinch the stems and make it hard for them to take up water later on. Only cut healthy stems with no insect damage or discoloration. Successfully rooting boxwood cuttings depends on cutting the tips from healthy, vigorous plants.