Can Boxwood Bushes Be Rooted From Branches?

Proagation Time Frame

• Take cuttings for boxwood bushes any time during the summer and early fall. Use stems that bend slightly but do not break. This is known as semihardwood. This type of cutting roots more quickly than the hardwood cuttings taken during the dormant season. Spring cuttings are mainly new growth and the stems are too soft for propagation. The soft stem often rots instead of rooting in the soil.

Rooting Hormones

• Boxwood stem cuttings root easily and rooting hormone is not necessary. However, if you choose to use a rooting hormone, use the powder sparingly. The synthetic auxins in the rooting hormone stimulate root growth but many available rooting hormones also contain pesticides that inhibit the rooting process.

Semi-hardwood Cuttings

• Semihardwood cuttings should be about 6 to 8 inches long. Semihardwood means the wood is sturdy but does not break when bent. As the growing season continues, the wood hardens and becomes hardwood for the winter. Remove the cutting's lower leaves so the plant's energy focuses on growing roots. A few leaves must remain for photosynthesis.

Hardwood Cuttings

• Hardwood stems are brittle and snap when bent. You can root boxwood bushes from hardwood cuttings, but it takes more than a month for the cuttings to develop a root system. Synthetic hormones and a heating mat speeds up the process. Keep the hardwood cuttings in a location providing high humidity and bright light. Cover the cuttings with plastic or a clear container keeping moisture inside the growing area. The heat mat keeps the growing medium from getting too cold to generate a root system. The ideal temperature for propagation of hardwood cuttings is between 70 and 75 degrees.