How to Preserve Boxwood Cuttings

Co-authored by Lauren Kurtz

Last Updated: September 17, 2024 Approved

Boxwood is an evergreen shrub that is used as a decorative landscaping element in many countries across the globe. Boxwood leaves are often used in wreaths and floral arrangements to add a natural, attractive touch. To create a wreath or arrangement that will last year round, you can soak your boxwood cuttings in dye and glycerin before creating your project. Preserving boxwood cuttings is easy as long as you follow the correct methods and use the right ingredients.

Ingredients

Glycerin Solution

1 cup (8 oz.) glycerin
1/2 cup (4 oz.) hot water
2 1/2 cups (16 oz.) warm water
1 tsp. (4.92 ml) citric acid
1 tsp. (4.92 ml) green floral dye

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Taking Boxwood Cuttings

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1
Cut 6–8 in (15–20 cm) branches off a boxwood plant. Select healthy branches that are about 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) long and carefully cut them off with a sharp knife or garden shears. Keep in mind that you can preserve many cuttings at once, so don’t be afraid to select multiple branches. Continue to sever the branches off your boxwood plant until you have enough to complete your project.
- For the best results, you should treat high-quality cuttings as soon as they have been cut. Keep in mind that the treatment will not hide discoloration or dried leaves.
- If you’re using the cuttings for a project, you can adjust the size after they’ve been preserved.
- You can also buy high-quality cutting from home and gardening stores.
Re-cut the end of each stem before placing it in the solution, by cutting off approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm). Then, use a mallet or hammer to crush the ends of the stems. When placed in the solution, the crushed ends will absorb more of the glycerin solution.^{[1]
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3
Choose a container for the glycerin solution. Find a container that you can use for several weeks to preserve your cuttings. Make sure to choose a plastic or glass container that is tall and narrow. Do not use a metal container. Choosing a tall and narrow container will allow for the stem to be immersed in a greater depth of the solution with minimal waste.
- Rinse the container before using it.
- Mason jars make for good containers when preserving your cuttings.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Creating the Glycerin Solution

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1
Mix 2 cups (16 oz) of warm water with 1 cup (8 oz) of glycerin. Use a half-gallon (2 L) mixing container and combine both of the liquid ingredients together. Stir vigorously, but don't create air bubbles.
- If you need more glycerin solution, use a ratio of 1:2 glycerin to warm water and adjust the rest of the ingredients accordingly.
2
Mix green floral dye, citric acid, and 1/2 cup (4 oz) of hot water together. These ingredients will make up your dye mixture and will be added to the glycerin and water mixture after. Pour 1/2 cup (4 oz.) of hot water, 1 tsp. (4.92 ml) of green floral dye, and 1 tsp. (4.92 ml) of citric acid in a separate bowl. Stir continuously until the mixture is dissolved. Once you've mixed them together, combine them to your half-gallon (2 L) mixing container and continue to both liquid solutions together until they are well incorporated.
- The dye will help the plant to retain its natural color.
- If you don't use dye your boxwood cuttings will turn a golden hue.
3
Weigh the boxwood cuttings. You can pack as many boxwood cuttings into a single container that you want, as long as you have enough glycerin solution. For every ounce (28 g) of cuttings add 1 fluid ounce (0.125 cup) of glycerin solution in the container. Weigh your boxwood cuttings on a scale so that you know how much of the solution has to go into each container.
- Using the correct amount of solution will ensure that the cuttings will be flexible and won't run out of solution to absorb.
4
Pour the proper amount of solution into your container. Get the container that you set aside previously for your boxwood cuttings and pour the glycerin solution into the container. Use a measuring cup to make sure that you're pouring the right amount of solution into the container.
- For instance, if you had 10 ounces (280 g) of boxwood cuttings, you'd need 10 fluid ounces (1.25 cups) of the solution.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Completing the Preservation Process

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Make sure the stems are arranged loosely in the container to allow for the maximum absorption of the solution. Ensure that the air can circulate around each leaf to allow for the best possible absorption of the glycerin.
2
Leave the cuttings in the solution for 2-3 weeks. Leave the cuttings in their containers for 2-3 weeks, or until all of the solution has been absorbed. When the cuttings are ready, they will be glossy and flexible to the touch.^{[3]
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- For best results, create an environment that has an air temperature of between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 and 23.8 degrees Celsius), has a medium humidity, good air circulation, and is lit but not in direct sunlight.
When all of the solution has been absorbed, remove the cuttings. If there's any excess solution on the stems, rinse it off under cold water. Place the cuttings in a warm, sunny, and dry location for 3 to 5 days. This will allow the remainder of the water to evaporate and for the dye and glycerin to set.^{[4]
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To complete the drying process, hang the cuttings upside down in a dark, dry, and warm place for 2 to 6 weeks. After this, they should be preserved for an indefinite amount of time. Use them in a wreath-making project, put them in a vase, or use the leaves for your next craft.

Expert Q&A

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Question

My boxwoods keep getting moldy in the solution. What should I do?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

To fix the mold problem, make sure that there is enough air flow between each branch. The bundle of branches should be loosely placed into the jar. Also, if the area you are storing the jars in is very humid, consider using a different location or placing a fan near the jars.

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Question

Once the boxwoods are preserved, should I leave them dry or give them a light spray with water once a month or so?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

There's no need to spray your boxwoods with water once they're preserved. Keep the branches dry and don't place them in water.

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Question

My boxwood trimmings have been soaking for 5 days. Most of the solution appears to have either been absorbed or evaporated. Should I add more solution?

Community Answer

Yes. You should continue to make sure that the solution is going a couple of inches up the shaft of the boxwood trimming.

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Tips

Look for spray paint in hues close to the color of natural boxwood for an easy way to add color to your preserved cuttings.

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