Q&A for How to Preserve Boxwood Cuttings

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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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Question

Can I preserve a fresh boxwood wreath already made as a permanent year round wreath?

Community Answer

Somewhat. You can extend the "life" of the wreath by making it pliable, versus rigid dried. If the wreath was made elsewhere, you do not know how old the branches are or if they were smashed to absorb water or a fixative. Using a spray bottle with a fixative (used on Christmas trees to prevent transpiration-drying out) will protect the wreath and prevent absorbing of glycerin solution.

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Question

What is the best time of year to cut boxwood for preserving?

Community Answer

I think that depends where you live. When you trim a bush it causes it to put out new growth. You would not want to make your cuttings going into cold weather because the new growth could be damaged by frost.

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Where can I get floral dye and citric acid?

Community Answer

You can get floral dye at a craft store, like Hobby Lobby. You can find citric acid on Amazon or in the grocery store, either in the baking aisle or with the canning supplies (food grade citric acid is used as a food preservative).

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Question

What do you do with the rest of the solution that you haven't used up? Can it be kept for future boxwood?

Community Answer

Yes, you can keep it for later. Make sure to label it and put it in an airtight container.

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How do you answer questions on wikiHow?

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Go to the bottom of the page and if you see "Unanswered Questions" click on "Answer this question" and type in your answer.

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Can preservation be done when foliage is dormant?

Community Answer

Yes. In fact, dormancy is the best time of year to cut back foliage since new growth won't be triggered.

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