Easy Winter Cuttings: Hardwood Propagation

With winter approaching, my woody plants are well on their way to dormancy, and that opens the window for hardwood cuttings. While I find them slower and less certain than summer cuttings, some shrubs and trees are particularly suited for this kind of propagation. I'll give you six examples and a list of others to try. In the meanwhile, here's a refresher on the technique and placement.
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Photo credits:
Spirea by Peter Stenzil CC BY-ND 2.0
Limelight hydrangea by Delaware Master Gardeners CC BY 2.0

[@PNH-sf4jz]

I really enjoy your straight forward, unhurried, uncluttered, yet detailed presentation of information. I can watch your videos for a relaxing tour of the garden while easily absorbing the information that you are presenting. Thank you very much.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks so much for the feedback and encouragement.

[@budgetgardeningvita]

Hi Jason. Great, Informative video. Two years ago I experimented with this. I put my hardwood cuttings in my garage over the winter, (30-40 F) and the cuttings took. I just watered them ever so slightly when they were getting dry. I will try this method again this year. I agree that it gives us something to do during this time of year. Happy gardening! 🌻

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks so much. That temperature range is pretty ideal - and for some in colder winter zones, indoors with minimal heat may be the best way to go.

[@valeriezendiver263]

I’ve been experimenting with cuttings for the first time this year, but didn’t realize that hardwood cuttings could be left outside or garage. This was helpful, thanks!

[@mrs.rabbit621]

I watched the video explaining the 3 types of cuttings from roses, soft, medium and hard. While creating this video may seem repetitive to you, I appreciate the opportunity to hear this information again to apply the rooting propagation method to other plants. Thank you!

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Most welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@flipperaust]

When would you take cuttings of shrubs like magnolias, camelias, etc where there haven't lost their leaves over winter? Do you use the same method or do more the tip or semi hardwood cuttings?

[@bampidraws]

Useful question, I hope there is an answer ​@@flipperaust

[@originaljazzgirl]

This is one of the best channels, I really appreciate the more detailed info given here and the reasons given too, it's a higher level than a lot of these other basic videos. It helps to understand the reason why for things. Thank you!

[@carmenbailey1560]

Awesome video for anyone wanting to increase their volume of shrubs. I tried rooting a climbing hydrangea with no luck, but great success with a Annabelle hydrangea. Wish I had space for a Golden Chain tree, love them. Thanks for sharing all that you do. 👍❤️😊

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks Carmen!

[@FireflyOnTheMoon]

Lovely and clear instruction, as ever. Thanks Jason.

[@Growing-Our-Retirement]

Very informative as always Jason! Like the idea of just sticking the cuttings in a big bed outside. Haven’t tried that yet.

[@JWWang-nn2fl]

Thank you for making this Chanel to be my learning Center of gardening! Very helpful.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

I'm so glad you're enjoying the videos! Thanks for watching

[@Carolyn2Short]

Thank you Jason, for your informative videos. I’m a California Central Valley Zone 9 plant gal - focusing on native plants, but I always glean some good applicable tips from you. I just took some native Elderberry for cuttings and will try to overwinter. I’ve had poor results with early spring cuttings as the warm weather causes them to leaf out early, so I’m anxious to see if fall works better. Happy Holidays & please keep the helpful videos coming!

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks so much Carolyn. Good luck with your elders!

[@pc1189]

As always clear and concise demonstrations Jason thank you

[@KatHassinger]

Thank you for creating these informative videos ! Very helpful

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

My pleasure Kat

[@fortheearth]

Easy, wonderful demonstration from my favorite rosarian!

[@hitta200m3]

my fav rose and garden channel ive learned alot thanks

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

So happy to hear it. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@katherinecornette5315]

Wow! I ❤that you are doing this without fancy tools or greenhouse. Thank you!

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@camicri4263]

Thank you Jason! Great information as always! Blessings!

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks Cami!

[@Nat-mk7gb]

I absolutely love your videos in general, super informative, simple and great to follow. I used to be great at propagation until I had kids and seem to have forgotten/or my hands are not as light, who knows. So any videos on propagation for outdoors or indoor flowers/plants is much appreciated 🎉

[@Maffoo]

It's fun that you're not just focussing 100% on roses anymore and are showing loads of different plants. Also that spirea looks lovely, bet the pollinators must love that guy.

[@Maffoo]

Although roses are still the best, and I won't hear anything otherwise ;)

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Lol. I'm with you on that!

[@supergrover17]

So good to hear n know the tips you're sharing. TY. Will try again n hopefully be more patient this time around!

[@alienhybrid51]

Thank you for all the amazing videos.

[@jennifergreene8891]

Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving! Thank you for all your great information.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks so much Jennifer, and a happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well.

[@theblacksheep75]

Another great video! I’ll have to head out to gather some cuttings tomorrow.

[@charlesbale8376]

Great tips and information.

[@TRUFIVE50]

Such great information! I'm going to try this with some fruit trees this year--a couple of varieties of apple, a peach tree, several figs, and an old pomegranate that was here when we moved in many years ago.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Nice. Best luck with your propagation!

[@lauras5312]

Thank you Jason

[@Elestrial]

Thanks for sharing!

[@plantsomething]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Jason.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks so much Dean - and a happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well!

[@amitdutt77]

Commendable job.Breathing life to nearly dead Rose stems.

[@delossmcwilliams4458]

Hi Jason, I want to thank you for taking the time to make these you tube educational horticultural videos. You present so much common sense! Recently, I watched with interest the video on winter propagation of hardwood cuttings. Do you think that this method would work in Zone3/4 in an outdoor bed? We have a ranch high (8,600 feet) in the Southern Rocky Mountains, and I am growing Zone3/4 heirloom HARDY roses, many of which you have recommended. They steal my heart, and the fragrance! Enough to make a person swoon. So, obviously, I would like to propagate more, and this winter propagation sounds intriguing. Thank you!

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

I don't have a lot of experience in that tough a climate, but I've seen people do the hardwood method there too - so long as the plants are sufficiently hardy.

[@Katinaboxx]

I have an experiment going now with some pear tree cutting in ealry winter. Totally random, we were prining in arboriculture class.

[@geraldinefields1730]

Thank you.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Most welcome Geraldine.

[@joinkansas7819]

Super helpful! I am curious what you will do with them in the spring? Or when do you dig them up? What is next is my question? :)

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

I leave them in into the summer and possibly early fall - and then divide into pots or elsewhere in the garden. It takes hardwood a while to get going.

[@TamaraGrafton]

Awesome video. Inspiring me to take cuttings. I assume this will work in zone 3?

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

It may be a bit cold for some of these varieties in zone 3 - and even with plants hardy to your zone, it may make sense to move the propagation in pots in a more sheltered location rather than exposed in outdoor beds.

[@x0vioriginal633]

Thanks for your information and demonstrations. Do you scrap the nodes as people scrape rose cuttings?

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

No, I usually don't. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4K5pGWoabF4bassi=dz6anpmspLhgRw88

[@iwiltalacy9619]

Do the cutting beds need to be in the shade? Thank you for you wonderful videos

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Not so much during the winter, but placing them under high shade can be helpful in keeping the cuttings from drying out when temperatures rise in spring.

[@marycain7424]

Jason, does dogwood root as easily as willow? Thanks for another good video!

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

A little slower, but really well for me.

[@MyFocusVaries]

I've always been intimidated by the idea of propogating, but I think I can handle this. Off to get some rooting compound tomorrow, and I'll take some hydrangea cuttings. Thanks for the tutorial. What's your general success rate with this method and hydrangeas?

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

I've had about 60-70% with Annabelle, but I haven't tried paniculata before.

[@JofAT-MofN]

Hi Jason, is Erybotrya japonica a good candidate for early winter cuttings? UK east midlands (currently wet but soil temp just below 10 deg C). And just to say, I really enjoy the pace and content of your videos.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks so much. I haven't grown a loquat but from the sources I checked it's not the easiest to grow from cuttings. For an attempt, I'd probably try active-season semi-hardwood cuttings or (apparently) it's sometimes propagated by air layering.

[@GradinaLuiDan]

Heloo! Thank you for this video. What scissors do you use?

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

For thicker hardwood like this I usually use Felco bypass pruners or similar

[@GradinaLuiDan]

@@FraserValleyRoseFarm wow. I also use felco! Thank you!

[@ukisukelis5315]

Hello, can i make quince cuttings in September ? It's still hot outside +25C , and first frost date is around November.

[@HinaMunnee]

I don't know if you already have a video, but can you also share how to take care of roses when temperatures go about 35 degrees Celsius? My roses are not blooming right now, and if there is any, it's small, and dare I say, ugly.

[@agata6917]

Great video. Are phantom hydrangeas a good candidate for this method and if yes should I do it now (still -10c) or closer to spring?

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

If you want to do it outside, you'd want to wait for the soil to thaw a bit. The wood is in deep dormancy now, so no harm in waiting a bit. I don't know the variety personally, but PeeGee hydrangeas are good candidates for hardwood cutting

[@douglasthompson9482]

Hi Jason….what about boxwood hedging. Can they be taken now.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Good question Douglas. I've taken them as late as now, but they were quite slow to root and many rotted. For fast rooting and high success rate, I'd wait until there's fresh growth in spring.

[@herrero4270]

Thank you for your videos. Can you tell me how effective are lentils instead of hormones to grow roots? There are no hormones in my location. Greetings from Mexico.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

I have no reason to think lentils will be effective as a rooting hormone. In the only (small) study I could find, lentils as a rooting hormone actually performed worse than the control (no treatment). Sorry!

[@herrero4270]

@@FraserValleyRoseFarm Thank you for your response. I that case, do you recommend a natural hormone that I can get more easily?

[@shanaphillips5535]

​@herrero4270 a few items you might try would be cinnamon, kelp tea, honey, aloe, aspirin, willow water.

[@herrero4270]

@@shanaphillips5535 Thank you

[@angiezavacky4347]

So , how long will these cuttings take to establish roots? Or when will they be ready to be transplanted either to a pot or the landscape?

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Hardwood cuttings are slow - sometimes taking 6+ months to develop roots.

[@mikedan297]

Are you going to leave these cuttings outdoors over the winter, uncovered? Does the snow kill them?

[@danipelland1507]

I was wondering the same thing. I was thinking of putting leaves on top of mine for some insulation. We can get in 20s F where I live.

[@margerymooresherrill]

Same question here. I have just the spot for them. What kind of attention do they need for winter. I’m zone 7.

[@denisebalog994]

Zone 7b. Do they stay out until spring 24 or longer? Great video as always. Thank you 🤗👍

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks - snow wouldn't be a problem at all, but deep cold temperatures with wind can take its toll on cuttings in colder zones than ours. In that case covering over with leaves/potting soil or moving the propagation into bins or containers in more sheltered location (like a minimally heated garage) might be wise.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Good call. Deep cold (especially with wind) can desiccate the cuttings in those lower zones.

[@traceydrost2159]

Thank you for the great video . Would I be able to do this with my cherry bush ? I can't remember the variey , but I would love to have more of them . I am in NN , Canada .

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Yes, a cherry bush is a good candidate for hardwood cuttings

[@jeffmeyers3837]

@@FraserValleyRoseFarmI also have a cherry bush (Carmine Jewel), and was wondering what type of rooting hormone they need. And can I put them into a pot with half perlite half vermiculite and half filled with water if I don't have a shady garden bed like you?

[@dianegao9176]

Hi Jason, thank you for the informative video. I wonder if I can do the cuttings now in Toronto. If yes, do I need to bring them back to my garage or they can survive in any of my raised bed in my backyard? Thank you.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks Diane. I think you're not too far off for timing. Why not try a little for both - some in the ground, and some potted in the garage? I know some gardeners in Alberta (zone 3 or 4) have told me they need to bring the cuttings in, but they're a little colder.

[@arthurlincoln9093]

Hi Jason. I have seen people removing a thin piece of the outer bark. It is said to encourage to rooting. I want to propagate my roses. Your thoughts please.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

It's worth experimenting with, especially for difficult varieties. I haven't found routinely scoring the bark to be worth the extra efforts, but that's somewhat because we do so many cuttings.

[@arthurlincoln9093]

@@FraserValleyRoseFarm Thanks Jason. I will try both. Compare and contrast.

[@originalwoolydragon8387]

Can you root cuttings from fruiting types of cherries too?

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Yes. Same method.

[@joshua511]

Assuming you are growing these out to sell, do they stay in the garden bed 1 season then pot up the next fall to sell? Or when would you dig them up?

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

I dug at the beginning of the month for an update video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIuaqWmfpJukl8ksi=o23K_AKX3HGhCGA0 Some were ready and others needed more time. I do pot up for resale, and those I potted are making god progress. I just recently sold all of the Rosa 'Darlow's Enigma' I did as hardwood cuttings (in the results video, not featured in the initial vid) - they were so fast to fill out a 1 gallon pot!

[@Tinaejs]

Hi Jason! For some reason I get other channels to which I'm subscribed to pop up in my notifications but yours don't (and I'd really like them to). The setting on the notification bell is the same as the others (Personalized). It's frustrating when I see your video come up farther down my feed and have almost missed it. Do you know what I can do or change to get this to change? Thanks for all you do. Tina Elderberry Ridge Farm Oregon, Zone 8b

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Well thank so much for doing you part - and I think you've done everything right! Now it's up to KZbin to do its part.

[@j.m.b.greengardens968]

I have looked around and asked around, and have yet to find any definitive answer, or any answer really, as to the shelf-life of IBA rooting hormone powder, either in unopened or opened containers. Have you any words of wisdom?

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

I've seen a lot of sources saying about 1 year, but I've definitely used it longer than that in the past with decent results. I don't think you'll ever find a definitive answer, but practically speaking I'd just say assume some degradation in quality and maybe consider replacing old hormone after 2 years if it doesn't seem to be doing the trick in speeding up rooting.

[@80sforever3]

I have a white rugosa rose for the last 5 months. Grafted with 5 long stems, 2 died during shipment, 3 still alive. I haven't prune them yet. Over the time several buds developed but most died. So far i got 1 new bud that have flowered and a new one developing. The bud that have flowered didn't develope into new stem. I'm a bit hesitant to prune and repropagate because i'm worried to loose the remaining 3 stems. Kinda lost here. She flowers quite freely, interestingly and tried to form hips.

[@ashleighnelson512]

If it's a grafted variety then likely any propagation from cuttings will not have a robust root system. That is the typical reason for grafting is to get a stronger root system.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

I'd be inclined to wait for the rose to establish more before taking cuttings.

[@bampidraws]

Can this be done for Goat willow trees please

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Yes, salix/willow is very easy to root

[@bampidraws]

@@FraserValleyRoseFarm Thank you very much for replying and loving your channel as a new gardener.

[@bamweyanawilly]

Can I use saw dust instead of coco peat soil

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

I'd be concerned that sawdust could remain quite moist though the long rooting period

[@TheMarcel1988nl]

Could i also use sand in a pot for propagating hardwood cuttings? And just to be sure hardwood cuttings dont need to be covered right?

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks. Yes, sand in a container worked well for me. No need to cover unless you're having difficulty with them drying out in their location.

[@TheMarcel1988nl]

@@FraserValleyRoseFarm quick question, my dad has a pretty old Hydrangea macrophylla that got whiteish/yellowish leaves (no brown spots or something like that) he never fertilized it. Its yellow leaves on hydrangea basically an iron dificiancy? Thats what i read online anyways, but extra confirmation cant hurt. Also will the yellowish leaves turn green again with the right furtilizer? My climate is not cold enough for it to lose its leaves. So if its only restoring new leaves i might as well prune it in that case.

[@Manaferra1]

Pershendetje ju ndjek gjithmone por me veshtiresi sepse nuk ka perkthim ne gjuhen shqip mund te me ndihmoni?

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Më vjen keq, por përkthimet e videove menaxhohen nga Google. Uroj që të mund të ndihmoja

[@raymundsantos2324]

Hi Jason, why do they always say cut below a node? Don't the roots come from the cambium layer which is typically all over the stem?

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

The undifferentiated tissues are more abundant at the nodes.

[@raymundsantos2324]

@@FraserValleyRoseFarm thank you!

[@dustyflats3832]

We finally took down a large tree and it didn’t quite go where it was supposed to and it landed on our fenced in blueberries and broke a limb off of one. I cut pieces from it and put rooting powder on and stuck them in mini greenhouse water bottles with a lot of vermiculite with some potting soil. I’m Z5a, WI and plants are well into dormancy with leaves off. I have them inside the house under grow lights along with some boxwood and lavender I started earlier. Do you think they have a chance? What is the best method for Autumn Blaze Maples? I started some late summer in sand on north side of shed and covered with a clear tote. I since took the tote off and covered lightly with leaves so they could get moisture from snow. Don’t know if this is correct for over winter. Are your methods for all zones? Thank you.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks. With fully dormant blueberry cuttings, I'm not sure the humidity domes, indoor temps and additional light are of much value. For hardwood cuttings I take it slow and cool. Blueberries aren't the easiest (and certainly not the quickest) to root, but they're doable. Viewers of my vids definitely have to take their own zones into account. I know some rose growers in zone 3/4 that have to protect their hardwood cuttings (and newly rooted plants) inside a garage or other minimally heated space. If your maple cuttings are decently rooted, your clear tote sounds like reasonable protection to me in zone 5.

[@dustyflats3832]

@@FraserValleyRoseFarm thank you for reply. Just have to see how it goes because there is no place else to place them. Too cold to heat the greenhouse.

[@johnman559]

Harhar he's had his haircut!👉

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Yep. Free of charge - but I get what I pay for!

[@johnman559]

​@@FraserValleyRoseFarm😂😂😂😂 goodun!

[@JustJamesDean]

Just wondering if it would be better to buy in plugs or tubestocks, free yourself up from propagation and more time for potting? Secondly, are hydrangea popular in the colder climate?

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

That's a great question, and one that every grower should ask frequently. From a personal point of view, of course, I love to play with propagation - but you're asking a business question. Yes, there are definitely times that it could make sense to buy in starts. To save propagation and early growing time for sure. Sometimes you can even buy in 1 or 2 year old saplings bare root, and shave a couple of seasons from your growing plan. On the other hand, these plant starts (at the sellers minimum order, plus shipping) can make for a sizeable purchase - and if I can knock of 10 or 20 per variety with no input costs except my own time, it makes for a nice way to test the market with my customers with small numbers before I'd make a larger commitment. There's also the matter of keeping some less commonly available items in my assortment. The balance in my thinking is: if you can find attractive varieties at a good price and reasonable minimums, buy those plants in. You can always fill out the assortment with some seeding or cutting propagation for the ones you can't get reasonably from suppliers.