Making more shrubs

Aside from getting ready to start my first garden, SFG style, I'd like to make more of a bush that we have in our yard. It's some type of boxwood (I think), and I've tried rooting cuttings from woody branches, from green branches, with hormone, without hormone, with just water, with wet paper towels, in sunlight, in shade... everything I've tried has failed.

The bush has overgrown its space, and it's in a spot where we'd like to grow some sunflowers, but it's a really nice sized boxwood (for a border hedge), very resilient, nice dark green, a great habitat for birds, etc, etc. I'd like to take some cuttings from it and make more of this bush for other places in my yard before we remove it.

My latest attempt started yesterday. I dug around and found a root that was about the thickness of a pencil, and I cut 2-3" pieces from that. I minded the orientation of the root, and kept up up and down down. I mixed some potting soil with a little compost (I haven't mixed up any MM yet), and planted the root pieces in smallish pots with upside down, cut off 2 liter soda bottles on top to help keep some moisture in there.

Since there are no leaves, I figured sunlight was not something they need at this point. But what do they need? Warmth? Should I aim for 70 degree soil temp in the pots? If so, should I cycle the warmth off at night?

I have failed so many times at getting cuttings to grow from this bush, I need some help!

I see your post is getting ready to fall off the bottom of the latest topics list. Try calling a nursery, greenhouse, or your cooperative extension service to find out what to do and at what time of the year, etc. One of those sources should help you out. Good Luck!

Thanks, I may have to do that.

BOOkemdano

I found this link with information on propagating boxwood, apparently there is a good time and good type of cutting to get the best results. Hope it helps BOXWOOD