A step-by-step guide to taking hardwood cuttings in winter
When trees and shrubs lose their leaves and settle into winter dormancy, it might seem like the garden is taking a break — but for the gardener, it’s the perfect time to get ahead. One of the most rewarding winter activities is taking hardwood cuttings from deciduous plants, turning pruned branches into future trees and shrubs.
This simple propagation technique allows you to multiply your favorite plants for free, using the natural resting phase to your advantage. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Are Hardwood Cuttings?
Hardwood cuttings are taken from mature, woody stems of deciduous plants during their dormant season — usually from late autumn to early spring (November to March, depending on your climate). These cuttings take longer to root than softwood or green cuttings, but they’re more resilient, easier to handle, and don’t require complex equipment or constant attention.
Which Plants Can Be Propagated This Way?
Here are some deciduous plants that respond well to hardwood cuttings in winter:
- Fig tree
- Grapevine
- Pomegranate
- Mulberry
- Bougainvillea (semi-deciduous in mild climates)
- Hydrangea
- Rose
- Buddleia (Butterfly bush)
- Willow
- Cornus (Dogwood)
- Blackcurrant & Redcurrant
- Wisteria
Pro tip: Choose healthy, non-flowering stems that grew during the previous season. Avoid very old or very soft branches.
How to Take Hardwood Cuttings – Step by Step
1. Choose and cut your material – Use clean, sharp pruners; Select a mature stem about 20–30 cm long and the thickness of a pencil; Cut just below a node at the base (where roots will form); Cut just above a node at the top, making a slanted cut (to shed water and distinguish top from bottom)
2. Prepare the cutting – Remove any remaining leaves or buds near the bottom: You should have at least 3–4 buds/nodes along the stem. Optionally, dip the base in rooting hormone to encourage rooting
3. Plant the cutting – Insert the cutting into well-draining, moist soil or a mix of compost and sand; Bury about two-thirds of the stem, leaving just the top buds exposed; Plant cuttings directly in a pot, propagation bed, or nursery row; Keep outdoors in a cool, sheltered place, or under a cold frame if frost is strong
4. Care during rooting – Keep the soil slightly moist, not wet; Avoid strong sunlight or extreme temperature changes; Rooting takes time, usually 6–12 weeks, with visible growth by spring
Why Take Cuttings in Winter?
- The plant is dormant, so you don’t risk interfering with active growth
- You can reuse pruned branches, giving them a second life
- It’s cost-effective, eco-friendly, and satisfying
- Rooted plants are usually stronger and better adapted to your local environment
Bonus Tips for Success
- Label your cuttings if you’re propagating more than one variety
- Group similar types together (e.g., all fig cuttings in one bed)
- Don’t overcrowd – allow air circulation between cuttings
- Monitor regularly, but don’t disturb too early — rooting happens underground!
What Happens Next?
By late spring or early summer, rooted cuttings will begin to leaf out. At this point, you can:
- Transplant them into individual pots or garden beds
- Begin regular feeding and watering
- Shape young plants as needed to encourage strong structure
A Sustainable Garden Practice
Taking cuttings in winter not only saves money — it also supports a circular gardening mindset: making the most of what you already have, reducing waste, and encouraging biodiversity in your own space.
Whether you’re growing a hedge, a small orchard, or simply expanding your green collection, winter hardwood cuttings are a smart, sustainable way to grow.
Need help getting started or choosing the right species for your area? Our team offers workshops, consultations, and seasonal guides to support your garden’s growth all year round.
