Last updated on May 17th, 2022
I adore boxwood. It’s elegant, evergreen, and — when established — drought-tolerant. Of course, it’s also hideously expensive! But you can have a formal Buxus hedge without breaking the bank. Here’s how:
When I made my rose garden — a former parking lot — in the spring of 2005, I could afford only enough boxwood to roughly outline the geometric beds. To fill in between plants, I took cuttings from my purchased stock, and rooted these directly in the ground.
Can you guess what happened?
Well, everything grew! In three short years, the shrubs formed a solid hedge. (I trimmed the older plants to match the newbies grown from cuttings.)
And here is the same garden in 2014, as photographed from my attic window. The ribbons of green are delightful in every season.
How I propagate boxwood:
In spring (or early fall, if you live in a warm climate), take tip-cuttings 6 inches in length.
I always plant 5-7 stems together, just to achieve an instant “shrub” effect.
Remove the lower inch of leaves…
And plunge the stems directly into the ground. Firm the soil around them. Boxwood will grow in any decent soil, but it will grow faster in earth which has been loosened and amended with leaf mold or compost. You needn’t worry about soil pH.
The stems pictured above were planted in April, 2014. They made a charming “frame” for the four beds in my tiny herb garden.
The tiny herb garden in question.
Keep the cuttings moist, and they will grow roots in as little as six weeks.
As an aside, I made this neat design with lettuce in one of my boxwood-edged beds.
Thank you for caring.
When new growth is evident, you’ll know the stems have rooted.
As I write this, the stems in my herb garden are teeming with new growth. Alas, since I planted them so closely together, I’ll have to thin them out next year.
What to do with the surplus?
Well, I honestly don’t know. Probably I should sell them to a high-end nursery, and become a millionaire. If you’ve ever priced boxwood, you’ll know I’m not exaggerating.
Well, I hope I’ve inspired you to propagate your own boxwood. The famous boxwood gardens at Hidcote, England, Villa Lante, Italy, and Valley View (near Carterville), Georgia, were all started from cuttings. So you’ll be in darned-good company!
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Nanci says
I was just wondering if these would grow up north in Buffalo weather and what kind of soil should be used. It is beautiful. thanks
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Nanci – Boxwood isn’t fussy about soil, as long as it is well-draining. You can definitely grow the shrub in Buffalo — just select a variety that is cold-hardy, such as ‘Winter Gem.’
margaret milliron says
I like the look but not the smell. Definitely smells like cat pee.
Judi says
Hi Kevin,
I love boxwood and had lots when we had our Hampton’s house. But we sold it and now live year round in NYC. Now I have only a balcony and sunny window. Will boxwood grow and be happy in a container on a windy not too sunny balcony? I look forward to your posts and love your humor!
Thanks, Judi
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Judi – nice to meet you. Yes, you can absolutely grow boxwood in a container on a sunny balcony. The shrub’s roots won’t grow overly large if you trim the foliage once or twice each year.
cathy a fox says
I cant believe how easy this is to do. great. thak-you for the tip. kevin , you the man.
Nina says
Hi Kevin,
Thank you for these concise directions. I’ve stuck many cuttings into my healthy soil with success, but I never thought about putting several cuttings together to make a full shrub from the beginning! Simple but elegant. Nina
Alma says
Love, love, love, your newsletter and the amazingly easy steps to propagating boxwood. I’m starting today, wish me luck. I’ve got several global boxwood and would like to add more to my landscape. Thank you again for such an enjoyable read.
Susan Turner Bankard says
This is the first thing I am going to do in the spring. And I think I’ll use root one. Who easy. Who knew.
Michele Layne says
Hi Kevin
Michele Layne says
My comment didn’t go through Kevin. I don’t know why. I wanted to know your Sunset zone and how many inches of rain you get there where you live annually? Also what is your lowest temperature in the winter?
Thanks Kevin
Sheri Rice says
I noticed the boxwood are on clearance at our local nursery here in Wisconsin – 50% off. For anyone considering putting some in before frost, that’s probably also an economical way to go! Kevin do you think it’s too risky to put in a boxwood this late in the year? We are zone 5.
Trina says
Could you suggest a boxwood variety that would do well in Louisiana?
Paula says
Thank you, Kevin for sharing your method of growing more boxwoods. I tried doing it this summer, and now have a whole tray of rooted boxwood cuttings, with 2 more trays starting to root now. Seeing your garden last year and hearing how you successfully grew your own boxwoods made me want to try the same thing in my garden. Here’s to many more homegrown boxwoods in both our gardens!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Michelle – I’m in New York’s Hudson Valley, zone 5-b. Most winters, temperatures here dip into the negative digits (i.e., -13°F)!
Hi Sheri – If I were you, I’d grab some of the on-sale boxwood you mentioned, and plant it right away. This way the roots can take hold before freezing temperatures arrive.
Trina – You are lucky. All boxwood varieties should thrive in Louisiana.
Joanne says
Kevin this boxwood article is amazing. Now my story….I just bought 6 boxwood and I’m not going to tell you how much they were, but I betcha you know. So now I’m going to take cuttings and plant more in the back yard. You are amazing with your tips. Thx a bunch
Teresa says
Kevin the boxwood propagating is wonderful idea with perfect timing. I just pruned mine here in south Louisiana.
Nancie says
I never thought I would want shrubs, but I am considering planting on the inside perimeter of my fencing to keep my pups from being distracted by every little thing in their line of sight (both are pitbull mix rescues) and to keep them from accessing the top of the fence (as in getting a foothold to hop over!) Is there anything I should consider before planting them along a chain-link fence? So love your blog Kevin… and thank you!
Claudia says
I must confess I am also a boxwoodaholic!, I have had a little damage/loss during the winter, I was wondering if you cover yours with burlap iduring the winter?
Hoosier John says
For those who don’t like the fragrance of common (English) boxwood, please know that the hybrids that are crossed with Korean boxwood such as ‘Green Velvet’, ‘Green Mountain’, ‘Green Gem’ and ‘Chicagoland Green’ do NOT have that odor. They are really hardy, too. Much more so than English boxwood.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Nancie – Are you referring to boxwood? If so, my only advice is to plant the shrubs 2 feet or so inside the fence to allow for growth. Enjoy your puppies!
Claudia – “Boxaholic” — love it!
Hoosier John – Thanks for clearing the air! We can add ‘Winter Gem’ — another great Korean variety, and the one I have in my rose garden — to the cold-hardy, no-odor-whatsoever list!
Sheri says
One day I was helping to plant a new front yard that was bordered in young boxwoods. One of the workers just let go of his shovel and it landed on one and broke off 3 little branches. I took those branches home and planted them in a big beautiful pot…and they grew and grew into the most beautiful bush! That was inspiring but YOUR garden is a knock out!
Fiona Moorcroft says
Love your blog kevin, I live in England and always wanted boxwood hedging but as you say it is expensive, so I am going to try this but can I bring the cuttings on in the greenhouse over winter?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Sheri – What a great story!
Fiona Moorcroft – Since England has mild winters (most years), you probably would not need to bring your cuttings into a greenhouse. But you certainly can. And oh, to have a greenhouse!
Claire says
Kevin, I don’t know if you can help me. I have a Norweign Spruce that has been indoors and is much to big now for my room. I want to put it outside. I am UpState NY I think Zone 5. And do you know if deer eat it.
Jeanne Meeks says
Great tips, Kevin. Now I know why there’s always a smell around my boxwood hedge!
Our hedge took a beating this past brutal Illinois winter. About 25% of each bush is brown. What’s the best way to repair them? If I cut out the brown, should the green fill in?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Claire – Are you referring to a Norfolk Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) which is commonly grown as a (big) houseplant? If so, the tree is hardy only in warm climates, such as USDA zones 10 and 11.
Hi Jeanne – Yes, cut out the brown foliage, and new greenery should fill in. Winter browning is often the result of drying winds, rather than cold temperatures. As insurance against moisture loss, you can spray the foliage with anti-transpirant (a/k/a “WiltPruf”). Alternatively, you can cover your hedge, as some gardeners do, with burlap for the winter.
Brenda Hibbs says
Greetings! I heard recently that deer are somewhat averse to boxwood, have you noticed if they tend to stay away from the areas where you planted boxwood, by any chance?
Gardengirl says
Hi, just found your blog tonight and what perfect timing. I have about 150 boxwoods of which I paid a small fortune for that provide a border for my cottage garden. I have plans for an informal style parterre and was wondering how I was going to afford at least 150-200 boxwoods, now I know! I will start mine in pots however, due to 3 large running and digging dogs and my “parterre” location is nowhere near ready. Thanks for the timely advice. Look forward to following your blog.
Rosalyn says
Brenda Hibbs asked if deer will eat boxwood. I’m happy to say that the one boxwood I planted in my woods is ignored. Maybe it’s that cat pee smell (I never noticed that, but it is regular English boxwood). A doe just came by and ate some peanuts that she’s supposed to share with the crows and raccoons. Even her fawn twins (and young fawns sample everything), haven’t bothered it. MY question is…I’d like to plant more boxwood along paths in my woods. The one bush I have seems happy, but they want sun, correct?
Helen Nicely says
I live in coastal, foggy Daly City, California, zone 17??. Question: is boxwood salt tolerant? I want to grow a low hedge to shield tender annuals and perenials from winds? I am converting lawn to bee-attracting plants because I just took up bee keeping. Discovering this site full of practical tips has been a God-send to me, a British ex-pat, inland, Royal Berkshire gardener. As a writer, I appreciate your excellent spelling, grammar and punctuation, too.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Rosalyn – Boxwood is toxic to deer. Modern boxwood varieties — such as I have — emit no scent whatsoever.
Hi Helen – Good news for you: Littleleaf boxwood (Buxus microphylla) tolerates both saline soil and salt spray. Have fun with your planting project!
Helen Nicely says
Thanks, Kevin,
Spotted some growing inland a bit. My opposite neighbor has an 12 foot boxwood bush. How do keep it from growing tall?
Alison says
I would like to grow my Boxwood 4 foot high when should I first trim them and how much should I take off. They are about 1 foot tall now about 3 inches is new growth.
Shirley says
I purchased several boxwoods from a grocery store parking lot sale. They are in their 3rd Spring and all are doing well. When I purchased them 5 plants were pyrimadal and 6 were global. No tags–wondering if I leave alone will they all go to global or are they probably 2 separate plants. Any info appreciated.
S
Laura Rankin says
This is great. I have 2 boxwoods in the front. I have a wee deck in the back. I have 3 long planters that could be used for boxwood cuttings which would be perfect out back. Now, after reading your blog, I’m all ‘shook up’ about the possibilities. Thanks for this fabulous tip, Kevin.
As for recipes: your bacon wrapped asparagus is pretty darn wonderful.
LMcCuskey says
My winter sown seeds are now a beautiful array of herbs and nicotiana and now I have a way to propagate enough boxwoods to plant a formal garden. I’ve never found this much practical advice on a website. I’m hooked. I’m planning an orchard and chicken coop if you have any advice! Thanks Kevin!
virginia says
Time to trim my boxwoods. Will be rooting your way. Enjoy your website and go to it daily.
Paula Beattie says
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for the helpful tip. I have moved to a ‘new’ century home in the country but I would like to bring my boxwoods at our previous home here – do you know if they transplant well? They are 5 years old.
Thanks
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Paula Beattie – Speaking from experience, boxwood tolerates transplanting very well indeed! Try to move the shrubs while they are actively growing (i.e., when not dormant). Also, keep them well-watered during the first season in their new location.
Helena says
Kevin, your blog is my favorite now. I discovered it recently and truly look forward to every new post. I read the entire blog not to miss anything. It’s educating and so enjoyable. Your sense of humor is hilarious!
We are building a French country home and a parterre garden is a must. I will definitely propagate boxwood just like you described. I just wanted to know how you space those little groups of five-six cuttings. Thank you!
Cheryl Ellenburg says
Hi Kevin, First of all I love your web site. When is your cookbook coming out? Second, Where did you find the 3 tier water fountain? Thanks.
Bill says
Hey Kevin,
Thank you for your great advice. My three year old son and I planted 16 Winter Gem boxwood shrubs last night. They are each 14 inches from the center of the shrub to the edge of the sidewalk. Our “hedge” looks pretty sparse right now, but your before and after pictures above are very encouraging/inspiring.
mary says
I love boxwood but in the full Texas sun it’s more challenging to keep alive. But I may try again in my veggie garden….and try the cutting tip.
Beth says
Hi Kevin.
Just to let some of your readers know I have boxwood in sun AND shade and they do equally as well. And they are so hardy. Not that I recommend it, but one year I had let some boxwood trimmings lay on the ground all winter. When I went to clean them up they were still green, so I decided to plant them in some little pots, and by gosh they rooted! It is funny that I just reread this post because yesterday I planted 12 small starts with roots in a bare spot at our rental house next door. I’ll see next spring if they made it!
Love your website. You got me to try the winter sowing last year and it was a phenomal success! I started cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, lettuce, and kale at the end of February and everything came up. I was amazed! Next spring I need will have to do some serious fencing be cause the rabbits went wild this year and ate more than half of my veggies! Deer and rabbit repellent didn’t work as it has in past years… (Sorry for such a long post. I get too excited when thinking about gardening!)
Sue Norris says
What variety of boxwood do you have? Thanks. I have the best luck with Green Velvet in Northwest CT but am planning to try Winter Gem.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Beth – So glad your winter-sowing project was a success!
Hi Sue Norris – I grow 3 boxwood varieties: ‘Winter Gem,’ ‘Green Velvet,’ and Buxus suffruticosa (dward English).
MARLENE says
I live in Custer WA…north of Bellingham. I planted boxwood two years ago for an accent to my walkway. Do I shape it now to become a hedge? I have an electric Hedge Hog. Is it OK to use this on the plants??
Love your website. Your boxwood design is incredible. How fun and look at the results you have created. I am going to make some cuttings. Can I do this soon or do I need to wait until it is warmer.
Thanks for your inspiring ideas!!!
MARLENE
Paula says
Hello
I’ve just discovered you website and have fallen in love with your gardens.
Maybe I’ve
yet to find the link, so pardon my asking if you’ve already adressed my question. I would like to know more about the planting and designing of your rose garden. It appears some sections are planted with something else, but I can’t make out what. Are your designs and , planting lists available on the site for all your gardens? I did find your instructions fornthe kitchen garden. Wonderful! Thank you
Tania Teigen says
Oh my!!! Your way is much much easier than what I just went through… I had some cuttings from a friends spring trimmings, about 6-8 inches. I just do what I do with everything, shove it in water and wait… well, the trimmings I took a year ago last spring, JUST GOT ROOTS!!! I was totally in shock, as I had given up on them ever rooting!!. I was impressed that only 2 of the clippings had died, and they did look really pretty in the bottles that I had tied with some vintage lace. I’m going to my friends house to get more clippings this weekend and am excited to try your way! Thank you, and believe me, I feel ya on the crazy cost!!! Which is why I took the trimmings to begin with. I priced them “on sale” last year and a 12 inch plant was 30-50$!! Outrageous!! We do plant exchanges around here, otherwise sell them and take a trip!! Ha ha! Thanks again for the help!
Susan McNally says
Hi Kevin, I love your website. Have enjoyed it for quite awhile. I have one question about the boxwood cuttings. Do you just plant them in good soil or do you first dip them in rooting powder? Thanks so much!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Susan McNally – So glad you enjoy this website. I never use rooting hormone when propagating boxwood or any other plants. They don’t need it!
Carla says
Kevin, I have learned so much from your newsletter. Thanks for being so generous with your knowledge of cooking and gardening. We have large boxwood shrubs and we plan to take some cuttings to make a hedge.
I love your house and gardens. We live in southern DE but are familiar with your beautiful area. We are also renovating a Victorian house (1890), so your decorating appeals to us, too. Thanks again.
Anne in Vermont Zone 4/5 says
Kevin,
I would like to try growing these in pots for our garden club’s plant sale in a year or two. Please can you advise on what to do with these pots in winter? Should I bury them in the vegetable beds or will they survive in a 50 degree basement without light or in a garage with light but temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees? And what about watering the pots in winter if they are in the basement or the garage?
As an aside, some of my greenhouse milk bottles produced seedlings this year. Hurrah! No one else in the club has tried this, but your blog will be promoted in our next newsletter. May I use your photo from the web please?
Thanks, Anne
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
HI Anne in Vermont – With credit, you can use the photo. As for boxwood: I’d leave ’em outdoors in winter. If you are concerned about severe temps, you can cover the plants with burlap. Otherwise, you needn’t coddle the shrubs. Good luck with your project!
Anne says
Hi Kevin,
I love your boxwood hedging, and all the winter interest it provides. I’d like to do the same thing (actually, I tried to do the same thing 🙁 ) but our yard is almost entirely shade so the boxwoods don’t do as well as I’d like. I’d like to try with yew instead. Yews grow really well in our sandy soil in our woodland setting, but they are so expensive. Have you ever had any success propagating yews through cutings, and if so do you have any tips?
Do you think it’s possible to use the same technique you used for the boxwood hedges with yews (planting small plants and filling in with cuttings)?
cynthia corriveau says
Kevin My privet surrounding my house is about 65 years old and some sections have died off due to salting the streets in wintertime. Can I grow privet the same way????Do you keep it in the raised beds for at least a year or can it be transplanted sooner?
Many thanks for your thoughtful response
Melissa says
Just found your website. Such great advice and ideas. Thanks for sharing! Very much appreciated!
frank shepard says
checking to see if this is sent
Carmen Cassivi says
That is simply beautiful, Kevin, I always have been afraid of boxwood, thinking it was difficult. Thank you so much for the lesson in cuttings, you gave me the desire to trying. I have visited Villa Lante in Italy and I can assure you your garden is just as beautiful.
Marie Wilson says
I tried this three years ago. I have five new plants ready for a permanent home! Trimmed the hedge today and am using the cuttings to start a lot more! Thanks for the instructions! Easy as pie
phyllis says
I just read your blog on propagating boxwood – started a few plants, but I was wondering do you start them in shade or sun? I think I might try 5 or 6 cuttings in a container. Thank you for all your blogs, your sense of humor!! Happy Spring
phyllis steckle says
I just read your blog on propagating boxwood – started a few plants, but I was wondering do you start them in shade or sun? I think I might try 5 or 6 cuttings in a container. Thank you for all your blogs, your sense of humor!! Happy Spring
Angel says
Thank you for sharing this. I also have been thinking about Boxwood for the small patch of yard in front of my mobile home. I live in a 55 and older park and need something pretty, but not too hard to keep up. Believe it or not, it does really well here in the desert, but like you said, it IS expensive.
BTW, can you suggest a compact-ish type of pine tree, preferably a slow growing one? I don’t have room for something that will grow really huge, but love pine trees.
Marcia Zerance says
Hello Kevin,
I’m an avid rose gardener, and would love to trim out my gardens with boxwoods not only for the look, but to keep the dogs out. (Presently I use ugly fencing!) My question is do I have to stay to a certain variety if I want to forever keep this hedge short. I wouldn’t want it growing any taller than I thin a foot and a half, I want it to edge out the garden, but not hide my roses. Secondly, I want to plant them in the right place the first time and not transplant some later. (Afterall I’d rather be planting more roses with my time!) How far do you suggest to plant them apart if can just wait for the hedge look and not have to dig any up.
Thanks, love your site.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Marcia – For a short hedge, you might prefer Dwarf English Boxwood (Buxus Sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’). It grows quite slowly, and can be maintained to a height of just 1 or 2 feet. Hardy in zones 5-8. Check with the seller for spacing recommendations.
Barbara Bramblett says
Kevin, I know that you are a boxwood expert. Could you please tell me how to prune boxwood. I have a few that were placed in a landscaped area for year round color. All of the outer leaves are brown and crispy, yet there are some new green leaves in the interior of the plant. What do you recommend?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Barbara – I can’t say for certain without seeing your boxwood, but dry outer leaves you described are often the result of winter-damage. Trim off the damaged parts, and all should be fine.
Gene says
Thank you!! My 30 year old hedge is suddenly and quickly dying – perhaps too much week killer by the neighbor. I need to start a replacement program- the boxwood will do great. I have two that will be used for a source of starter stems.
thanks
gene
Linda says
I planted some boxwood last summer in my Zone 4 climate. This spring, the leaves are all tan and I only see a few sprigs of green at the base of the plants. Is there any hope for them? Should I be cutting the apparently dead parts off? Or should I just give up and replant to something labeled Zone 3? They really look quite pitiful.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Linda – If the garden center sold you boxwood that is not hardy for your area, you should request a refund. Otherwise, go ahead and clip out all dead/brown material, and provide the shrubs with plenty of moisture. They may look hideous for awhile, but they probably will recover.
Samantha Gray says
On one of our few sunny days some weeks back, inspired by your boxwood rooting instructions, I took some cuttings from an old boxwood, about 10 feet tall that I brought from my grandmother’s farm in Va. many years ago. I planted them in the deep railing boxes on our upper deck where I can keep a weather eye on them. No new growth yet – it’s been chilly for this time of year, and we’ve had lots of cloud cover here on Long Island’s north shore, but I’m still hoping.
Craig Ayliffe says
Love your blog Kevin. The husband and I moved 3 boxwoods last year in early spring to hopefully save them during a renovation project. They were enormous, 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide, probably 50-60 years old. We started excavating from the drip line and worked our way inward in a circle. We were surprised to see that that the root structure was rather shallow but broad. We did not trim them back or coddle them, just food and regular water. We hoped for the best, and 3 year later they are thriving in their new location. Much of what I viewed on the internet about transplanting older boxwoods was discouraging but we had great success.
Now we are going to start taking cuttings thanks to you! All the Best! Craig and Alberto
Kate says
Hi Kevin , Can’t wait to try the Boxwood Cuttings as soon as the Sun comes out and the Rain stops around here ( just outside of Boston ). Also , off Subject , how did your Winter Sowing do this year . After a warm Feb. and bitter cold March , many of the little green seedlings disappeared . I went a little crazy and planted 19 Milk Jugs in Jan. Last winter I had 100% successwith seedlings in Spring 2016 , not so much this Spring ! Hope you had better Luck !!
Connie says
Thanks, Kevin. I was just at the nursery yesterday and looked at boxwood and yes, they are expensive. I need some plants in containers on my back patio and I love green, green plants. Fortunately, I have boxwood in my front yard and am headed there after I post this to take some cuttings. Perfect timing with you article. 🙂
Linda A says
Hi Kevin, I enjoy re-reading the boxwood story because it’s such a
good reminder of what this lovely shrub can do for a garden. Love what
you did with it … and applaud the patience it took.
Also love reading your subtle humor. I’m enjoying your videos today
but still love to read your writing because the voice is true. True and
amusing. True and informative. True and kind.
I’m pulling up a rotting deck this summer (maybe …) and intend to replace it
with planting areas and brick paths. Well, this summer or next. Need time to
plan and time to work the plan.
Keep the inspiration coming!
Jean says
Hi Kevin,
Love your site! I propagate all of my shrubs this way with a couple of differences. I do blueberry, pink weigela, hydrangea, gold mound spirea, burning bush, purple smoke bush, dappled willow and my friends are very happy to come and load up their trucks with my treasures!
I don’t have boxwood because I had heard they are slow growing but I am going to get a few now and see how long it takes, I am in Wisconsin, zone 5a.
The only difference is I wait until 6 weeks after the last hard frost, take my cuttings, put them in dampened flats of peat/sand mix with rooting hormone (not necessary but it makes me feel like I’m trying), then cover them with a white plastic trash bag and keep them in the shade. I spritz them occasionally with water. 2 months later I have roots and pot them up!
Gosh it is great fun to watch my plants grow and bring joy to the people I care about 🙂
Justine M says
Kevin,
Do you check comments on old posts you have made?
I want to try your boxwood propagating technique but need to know whether it’s too late to try this in the spring if the tips have already started new growth for the season. You mentioned grabbing 6″ of tip length. Do I need to have growth from last year or if it’s from this year is that okay?
Thanks!
Renee says
I am inspired! It’s creative people like yourself who make life nicer. Thanks for sharing your excellent garden ideas!
Scott says
Hi Kevin. I know this is an old thread, so not sure if you will even look at it, but I tried your method in the spring and it totally worked! Had one question though…when you move the bunches of stems, do you keep them together with the assumption that they will eventually form into one shrub or do you break up the bunch into individual stems, so the bunch of 6 stems becomes 6 different plants?
Thanks!
Jen Lindgren says
I love topiary- it is so bizarre and beautiful -and as an admirer I had always noted the boxwood and the amazing property of density it has
The movie -Le Divorce has an incredible boxwood outside the mother in law’s country house when she greets the arriving family-naomi watts-kate hudson- et al
Your incredible garden and the feat of creating boxwood out of thin air is rather magical and definitely inspiring- thank you- Jen Lindgren
Katie says
Hi Kevin…just found your article and found it super helpful! We lost 3 of our boxwoods in a row of hedges (we think the construction on the house next door had something to do with it…thinking something was poured on them). Anyways my husband and I spent the afternoon ripping out the old dead shrubs and went to the store to buy new ones. We knew they were boxwoods but unsure of which variety. The shrubs were already at our house when we bought it. Ours don’t have the little buds on them we kept seeing at the nurseries. We decided to go home empty handed and that’s when we came across your article. We decided to try to grow our own from our shrubs that we still have. That way we know they will match for sure! Thanks for the great info! Just in case they don’t happen to take, any advice on how to match our existing boxwood with one we find at the nursery?
Marsha Lockhart says
The kitchen video’s were a hoot!! My old inherited kitchen was a little further back than that. The stove was on one wall, sink on another and fridge on the other,with no counter space.. There was a walk in pantry with a tiny little counter at the end, under a small window. The kitchen table was in the middle of the room Can you imagine what it took to gather equipment and find a space to cook a meal or bake a cake? With fond memories of my youth and energy, I am now extremely happy with my renovated kitchen, large Island and all the technology this century has to offer. It will allow me plenty of time to root boxwood. I look forward to your wonderful weekly blog.
Kathy MInar says
How big was the parking lot? Just wondering in comparison to the space I have. We currently have a pasture in front of our house (septic field under it) that I would love to put in something like this but instead of the two water features put in a swing and little bistro table and chairs. (I love the water features but my husband doesn’t want to maintain them. We already have one in the bak yard.) Outline with box wood and have strawberry patch and a couple of trellis for blackberry, raspberries, and some blueberries. Think I’ll have to take some chalk out and outline it for a visual. Thanks for inspiring me.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Kathy – I don’t remember the dimensions of the parking lot, except that it was huge. My boxwood garden is 100 feet long, and 50 feet wide. Good luck with your project!
Perfect Plants Nursery says
We love boxwoods too! Thanks for all your amazing pictures
Leisa Joan says
How far apart did you plant them?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Leisa – Boxwood shrubs are generally spaced 18-24 inches apart. I space my cuttings very close together, and then (usually) thin them out when they start to grow.
Diane R. says
I haven’t seen an answer, but I’d love to know if the 6 cuttings you rooted are planted as one, or
do you replant 6 different stems?
I love Calibrachoa, but the last two years they have been decimated by aphids. I did try insecticidal soap, but I think I didn’t notice the aphids until it was too late. They seem to love all petunia’s.
Any suggestions would be so appreciated.
Albert Janzen says
Hi Kevin, I live in Canada and work on a large estate property that has a semi circular boxwood hedge at the grand front entry with large round fountain pool and water features [I can send pictures if you like]. But portions of this boxwood hedge have been dying resulting in unsightly gaps in the hedge.
We have another massive boxwood hedge easily eight feet high by 30 ft long, unpruned with many long branches that could easily be harvested and used to create new plants to fill the gaps in the hedge mentioned above. I know that it seems recommended that cuttings should be short tips of actively growing plants, but that would require years of growth to create plants of the correct height to fill the gaps in this boxwood hedge.
I am looking for a faster solution and was wondering if it might work to use longer stems inserted into the ground together to create “instant” new boxwood plants. I could easily harvest enough longer 3 foot stems from the other boxwood plant on the property.
This is probably not the right time because we have very warm weather in summer, however rainy condition prevail from about mid October onwards, or is that too late? Or should I wait till next year in early spring after winter frosts are over? Would it be wise to use a rooting hormone as well?
Thank you very much for any helpful advice you are willing to share with me.
Albert Janzen says
If you would like some pictures, please ask me.
Thank you
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Albert – You could certainly try to propagate 3-foot-long stems. Maybe they will root for you. No advice on rooting hormone — I’ve never used it. Good luck with your project!
Cate says
After many years of enjoying your blog, I finally took the plunge and propagated some boxwood cuttings today (after carefully re-reading your instructions). I’m excited to have some baby boxwoods soon. Hopefully they will grow to be as beautiful as yours someday! Thanks, Kevin!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Cate – That makes me so happy. Enjoy your new boxwood!
TRACY R says
Hi Kevin!
I found you to late, but am SOOO glad I finally found you! 🙂 I propagated boxwoods into small containers that are now ready for transplant. If I would have found you earlier, I wouldn’t have done this until spring…but, here we are! Do you think they will survive winter? I’m in zone 5 and the cuttings are about 7 weeks old. YIKES! What should I do?!
Thank you so much for a great blog!
Shiloh Hinson says
Kevin I make a Moravian tree each year to decorate a local historic home using boxwood cuttings. I reused some of these to decorate my outdoor areas. As I was clearing the decorations in a window box style planter at my front gate, I was super hyped to find the boxwood had rooted and is thriving! Especially because the cuttings are from an old shrub at my great grandparents homeplace… now if only I could figure out how to root the hemlock
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Shiloh – What a great story. Boxwood is a generous plant!
Stephanie says
Hi Kevin, we tried a different winter method a couple of years ago but it was a complete failure. We’re trying your way this year and have several hundred little guys on the go; we planted the other pricey boxwoods with extra space between them with the eventual plan to do this. Do they have to be watered daily if it doesn’t rain? As always, thank you for so generously sharing your wealth of knowledge and charm.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Stephanie – Keep the soil moist during the rooting period. Good luck with your cuttings!
Dina says
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I love love love so much boxwood. I will try your method.
Paula says
Nice! I discovered this by accident. My dog ripped off some branches of one of my boxwoods and just on a whim I stuck them in the muddy soil since they were still very green. To my surprise they are still alive weeks later and appear to be doing well. Boxwood has been a real nice surprise that it seems to do so well in our cold winters , hot summers and with the thick clay soil I have.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Paula – Boxwood is a generous shrub. So glad you thought to propagate your broken branches!
Paul says
What an absolutely gorgeous rose garden. I would love to replicate it, would you mind sharing the approximate dimensions? How long are the paths and what is the diameter of the brick centre. I live in New Zealand and boxwood grows well here
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Paul – Garden is 50 feet wide, 100 feet long. Enjoy your project!
Carolyn B. says
Hi Kevin, just found your site while trying to find out about propagating my variegated boxwood. Gave it a trim today and as I will be moving to a brand new house (a couple of years away), I thought I’d take some with me. Right now I have the cuttings in water. Do you think they will root in the ground before winter or should I leave them in water? I live in Westport, Ma. Zone 6b-7a (depending on the wind) next to the Westport River. We never have reliable snow cover. I’d appreciate your thoughts.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Carolyn B. – Spring is the best time to propagate boxwood. I always root the cuttings in soil, as described above. As for your cuttings in water, I’d plant them in the ground now, unrooted. If they don’t survive, start a new crop in spring!
Loie Sayers says
Thanks Kevin. I tired your method too late last year (they all failed) so I’m going to get on it early this year. I might need more olives and … well, the liquid that holds them, while I go through my garden this spring. And summer.
Laura L Redmond says
Good morning, Kevin,
Thank you for the boxwood tip. I can’t wait to propagate my own.
The spring green mixer is gorgeous and I would love to have it brighten my kitchen every day.
Thanks for always making my Sunday sunnier!
Laura Lee
Phyllis says
I have been very successful in propagating boxwood in shade and sun also. …thanks to you. This spring, I noticed a few of my plantings have lost all their leaves…what to do? Take them up and replant others? Fertilize and hope for the best?
Love, love your blogs, your recipes, sharing your life with all of us, your cookbook and most of all YOUR PIANO PLAYING!!!!!!
You are a good soul.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Phyllis – Thank you for the kind words! Regarding your leafless boxwood, I suspect severe winter damage or some other kind of trouble. Best to dig up and replace. Happy gardening to you!
Paula says
Hi Kevin,
I tried propagating boxwood from my 2 original shrubs, and like you, had great success. Thanks for sharing your experience–can’t wait until your garden can be viewed in person again, to see all the new things that you’ve done.
Miguel says
Boxwoods host little critters that love to eat rose bushes, what do you use to keep the boxwoods from hosting the destroyers of roses?
Carla from Kansas says
So glad you reposted this today! I have a boxwood and would like more in a shady area i have. This is perfect.
Mariska L says
Hi Kevin,
I love your boxwood garden, it’s beautiful! Can boxwood be successfully rooted in water and then planted in soil?
Doris says
Beautiful garden and I love how you’ve designed it, your so clever and lots of us appreciate your sharing your propagation tips.
Thank you
Beverly, zone 6, eastern PA says
I used your propagation method on a coveted variegated boxwood. It worked wonderfully well. Just a few days ago we were admiring these year-old “shrublets” thriving in a shady corner. Always grateful for your ideas and instructions!
Nancy Dixon says
Hi Kevin,
I am about to purchase some boxwoods and plant them in my front garden to form a continuous hedge. When planting each little plant, how many inches apart should be between each? Thank-you in advance for your advice.
Nancy
(British Columbia)
Theresa Ryan says
I love the look of your rose garden and can see how much work you put into it. BUT, I don’t see openings, so how do you get in to maintain the roses? Do you keep the hedges low enough to step over?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Nancy – For a boxwood hedge, dwarf varieties are generally spaced 12 inches on center. Other varieties are typically spaced 18-24 inches on center.
Hi Theresa – The clever guys who trim my boxwood also create invisible openings in each hedge. I can slip in and out with ease!
Linda H Plumley says
This is the post I’ve been waiting for. Thank you Kevin!
I planted 25 boxwoods last year around my beautiful fountain and they NEVER did well. This year, I sent Proven Winners a photo and asked what I’d done wrong – turns out, there are such brutal winds where my house sits in a little valley, that winter burn would likely always be a problem. Heartbroken. But not defeated! I’m moving everything to the back of the house now. Especially since I know how to save money by propagating the boxwood!
You are very much appreciated Kevin. Thank you so very much.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Linda – Two options for you if you don’t wish to move your boxwood. In mid-December, cover the plants with burlap, and use landscaping pins to secure the fabric to the ground. When you remove the burlap in mid- or even late-March, you should find no signs of winter burn whatsoever. Or…spray the shrubs with anti-transpirant in late fall. Anti-transpirant — it’s sold in the U.S. as “WiltProof” — seals in moisture and protects against cold, drying wind. Whatever you decide to do, I want to wish you good luck with your boxwood!!!
Gretchen Edwards says
How should I trim boxwood? I hate to cut anything, but is it OK to use an electric hedge trimmer or electric scissors? My husband’s uncle says he doesn’t and likes cloud look, but we have a Georgian house and it seems to require more formality. We have several kinds of boxwood, mainly English, but I am crazy about a little dwarf called Kingsdene. I will try to propagate both. THANK YOU for your advice and I am so happy that there are so many people out there who love boxwood!
God Bless, Gretchen Edwards
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Gretchen — My gardener uses a gas-powered hedge trimmer to cut and shape the boxwood. I suspect that electric trimmers or scissors would work as well.
carolyn lauginiger says
So glad I found this site! So helpful. I can’t wait to try the boxwood cuttings.
Ali Huebner says
Kevin……oh Kevin….I could just hug you right now. About 10 years ago we purchased a house on a corner lot that was built in the early 1890’s. It sat in foreclosure, derelict and quite sad. 6 bedrooms, 1 tiny kitchen 4 floors adorned with a parlor, an office, a huge living and dining room….all neglected. The yard? A halloween attraction. A prize winning attraction at that. In the 10 years we’ve lived here we’ve renovated (not remodeled) all but 3 rooms ……so much progress. The yard I started tackling about 4 years ago. In hindsight I should have started on day 1. We retained the property, repainted the house, driveways are done, put up a black picket fence with columns in between the fence panels with 3 different arbors. I hand made 21 concrete urns that sit on top of the fence columns and planted a very sparse boxwood hedge around the outside of the fence. All that to say it is now coming into Fall and I need to clip them back. Propagating the new growth will allow me to fill the hedge in faster. When I bought the boxwoods I bought 350 of them and thought that would be enough. Nope. I ended up having to space them at 3 feet apart. Obviously a few years later I still have massive gaps between the plants. I was wondering how, in this economy, I was going to find the $ to buy the remaining boxwood to fill in the holes. We don’t do anything on credit. If we have the cash, we’ll do a project. So guess what I’m doing this morning? You guessed it. Making new boxwoods. Maybe after I’m done I can take the little money I’ve saved to buy new boxwoods to find some spring bulbs. Thank you for sharing your tips! I’m sure If I have extra trimmings I’ll know what to do with them. A round of appreciation to you from me! xoxo Muah!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Ali – I’m so glad this boxwood propagation tutorial was helpful to you. Also thank you for rescuing an 1890 house!
Patsy in Nixa, MO says
Come on Spring! I can scarcely wait to try Kevin’s propagating method. To think of all the clippings which have gone in the trash – Yikes!
Happy Gardener says
This makes me so happy! I have beautiful boxwoods out front, and want to bring some of that joy to other parts of the yard, and now I can. I don’t always trust that I will pick winners at the nursery, so this takes the guesswork out of the equation!