A boxwood is usually really expensive. Therefore, knowing how to increase it can be helpful. This works relatively easily with cuttings, for example.
We all know the box tree, or should one say the little box tree? It takes a long time for a box tree to grow really big. If you're lucky, it will grow 10 to 15 centimeters a year.
If you want to propagate your boxwood, the best way to do this is with cuttings. To do this, you must always choose a bush that is already strong and quite large, as this will not weaken the plant and make it easier for the cuttings to take root.
When is the right time to propagate cuttings?
The best time for propagating cuttings is in late summer (end of August). You can also propagate the boxwood in this way until October. By this time, the new shoots are already well lignified, which makes them less susceptible to fungal diseases. When it comes to propagation, you have two options. Either you put the cuttings directly in the bed or in a greenhouse or in a propagation station.
Propagating boxwood cuttings in the garden bed
1Cut off branches about 10 centimeters long from the boxwood. Where the bark of the twig has turned light brown. This is an indication that the lignification process has begun. These are the perfect cuttings. If they are still too young and green, they rot quickly. If they are already too lignified, it is difficult for them to form roots. After cutting, place the cuttings in a glass of water.
2Then you have to remove all the leaves from the lower third and cut the stem straight off. Then shorten the upper end of the cutting by about a third.
3Now it is advisable to dip the cuttings in some rooting powder to stimulate root formation. We recommend, for example, Neudofix root activator from NEUDORFF. This is seaweed flour.
4If the shoot is very strong, you can stick it directly into the garden soil. To do this, choose a shady spot in the bed and dig it up first. Then spread some potting soiland work it in flat with the cultivator. Then stick the cuttings into the ground up to just below the first leaves. Finally, water and keep the soil nice and moist. In winter, when there is a heavy frost, also cover with a protective fleece. Done!
Option 2: propagate boxwood in the greenhouse
If, on the other hand, you opt for the variant with the indoor greenhouse or the propagation station, then you must now put the cuttings in the substrate. A peat-sand mixture in a ratio of 1:1 has proven itself here. It is best to plant the cuttings in small peat pots right away. That way you don't have to separate them later when they've gotten bigger. If you first have to buy a breeding station, you can get it cheaply on the Internet. Most stations come complete with grow pots, soil and fertilizer. Corresponding sets can be found e.g. on Amazon.
5Now place the small pots with the cuttings in the propagation station. Then water well, close with the hood and place in a partially shaded place in the garden. If there is a risk of frost, it is better to set it up in a cool room in the house.
6If you air the greenhouse regularly and make sure that the soil is always nice and moist, then roots will form after just a few weeks. In the spring you can then plant the cuttings in the bed. If the box tree is big enough later, you only have to regularly use the pruning shears and cut the box tree.