While December may seem like an unlikely time for gardening, it’s actually an excellent month for propagating many shrubs through cuttings. The cool, dormant period offers unique advantages—slower transpiration reduces water loss, and the absence of active growth means cuttings can focus on developing root systems rather than supporting new foliage. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully grow new shrubs from cuttings this December, tailored for gardeners looking to expand their landscapes or share plants with friends.
Why December Is Ideal for Shrub Cuttings
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand why winter, specifically December, works so well for shrub propagation. First, dormant cuttings (taken from plants that have lost their leaves and entered dormancy) are less stressed. They contain higher levels of stored carbohydrates, which fuel root development. Second, the cold temperatures suppress fungal diseases and pest activity that often plague cuttings in warmer months. Finally, December’s shorter days and cooler air mean cuttings lose far less moisture through their stems, reducing the risk of wilting before roots form.
Best Shrub Varieties for December Cuttings
Not all shrubs thrive from December cuttings—focus on hardwood cuttings, which are taken from mature, woody stems of deciduous shrubs. Here are the top varieties that respond exceptionally well:
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Rose (Rosa spp.): Many rose varieties, especially shrub roses and climbing roses, root easily from hardwood cuttings. Avoid hybrid teas, which are more finicky.
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Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.): Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) and panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) are perfect for December propagation. Their thick stems hold stored energy well.
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Spirea (Spiraea spp.): Both deciduous spirea types, like bridal wreath spirea, root reliably in winter. They’re hardy and adapt well to cutting propagation.
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Viburnum (Viburnum spp.): Varieties such as Korean spice viburnum and arrowwood viburnum take well from December cuttings, especially if taken from young plants.
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Weigela (Weigela florida): This flowering shrub produces strong hardwood stems in winter, making it an excellent candidate for cuttings. It roots quickly with minimal care.
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Dogwood (Cornus spp.): Red twig dogwood and flowering dogwood cuttings taken in December often root successfully, though they may take a few months to establish.
Step-by-Step Guide to December Shrub Cuttings
Follow these detailed steps to ensure your cuttings take root and grow into healthy shrubs:
1. Gather Tools and Materials
You’ll need the following items, most of which are standard in a gardener’s toolkit:
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Sharp, clean pruning shears or a grafting knife (sterilize with rubbing alcohol to prevent disease spread)
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Rooting hormone (powder or gel—look for one with indole-3-butyric acid, IBA, for hardwood cuttings)
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Propagation medium: A well-draining mix (e.g., 50% perlite + 50% peat moss, or vermiculite + compost)
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Containers: 4-6 inch pots with drainage holes, or a propagation tray (biodegradable pots like peat pots are ideal for minimizing root disturbance later)
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Plastic bags or a propagation dome (to retain humidity)
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Labels and a marker (to identify shrub varieties)
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Watering can with a fine rose (to avoid washing away the medium)
2. Select and Take Cuttings
The key to success starts with choosing the right stems:
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Choose 1-year-old hardwood stems: These are stems that grew last summer and have hardened off (they’ll be brown, not green or soft). Avoid very old, thick stems or thin, weak ones.
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Take cuttings early in the day (if temperatures are above freezing) to keep stems hydrated. If the ground is frozen, wait for a mild spell or collect stems from shrubs in containers.
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Cut stems to 6-8 inches long: Make a clean, angled cut (45 degrees) at the bottom (just below a leaf node) and a straight cut at the top (1 inch above a leaf node). The angled cut helps you distinguish top from bottom and increases surface area for rooting.
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Remove all leaves: Since the shrub is dormant, leaves should already have fallen, but trim any remaining foliage or buds to prevent moisture loss.
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Prepare the base: Use a knife to make a 1-inch vertical slit at the bottom of the cutting (this encourages root growth) and gently scrape off a small portion of bark to expose the cambium layer (the greenish layer under the bark).
3. Treat with Rooting Hormone
Rooting hormone significantly boosts success rates for hardwood cuttings, which can be slower to root than softwood cuttings:
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Pour a small amount of rooting hormone into a separate container (don’t dip directly into the original bottle—this prevents contamination).
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Dip the bottom 1-2 inches of the cutting into the hormone, tapping off any excess powder (or spread gel evenly on the base).
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Plant immediately after treating—delaying can reduce the hormone’s effectiveness.
4. Plant the Cuttings
Proper planting ensures the cutting has stability and access to moisture without rotting:
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Fill containers with the propagation medium and water thoroughly to settle the mix (let excess water drain).
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Make a hole in the medium with a pencil (to avoid wiping off the rooting hormone) and insert the cutting so that 1/3 to 1/2 of its length is buried (e.g., a 6-inch cutting should be 2-3 inches deep).
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Press the medium gently around the cutting to eliminate air pockets—firm contact is essential for root development.
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Label each container with the shrub variety and date of planting.
5. Create the Right Growing Environment
December’s cold means cuttings need protection, but they also require some light and air circulation:
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Cover containers with a clear plastic bag (secure with a rubber band around the pot) or place a propagation dome over the tray. This creates a humid microclimate.
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Place the cuttings in a cool but frost-free location: Ideal temperatures are 40-50°F (4-10°C). A garage, cold frame, or unheated sunroom works well. Avoid warm spots (like near radiators) — hardwood cuttings need cold to break dormancy and root.
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Provide indirect light: 4-6 hours of filtered sunlight per day is enough. Direct sun through the plastic can overheat the cuttings, so place them near a north or east-facing window if indoors.
6. Care for the Cuttings
Minimal maintenance is needed, but consistent care prevents failure:
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Check moisture levels weekly: The medium should stay slightly damp but not waterlogged. Water with a fine rose if the top 1 inch of the mix feels dry.
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Ventilate occasionally: Remove the plastic bag or dome for 10-15 minutes every few days to prevent fungal growth (look for mold on the medium or stems).
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Avoid disturbing the cuttings: Resist the urge to tug on them to check for roots—this can damage new root growth. Wait 8-12 weeks before testing (gently pull; resistance means roots have formed).
Transplanting Rooted Cuttings
By late February or early March, most cuttings will have developed a healthy root system. Follow these steps to transplant them:
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Harden off the cuttings: Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days (start with 1-2 hours of shade, then increase time and light).
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Choose a planting site: Most shrubs prefer well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade (check the specific needs of your variety).
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Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, mix in compost to enrich the soil, and plant the cutting at the same depth it was in the container.
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Water thoroughly after planting and add a 2-inch layer of mulch (e.g., bark chips) around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Prune lightly: Remove any dead or weak growth to encourage bushy growth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using softwood or old wood: Only 1-year-old hardwood stems will root reliably in December.
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Overwatering: Waterlogged medium causes root rot—always ensure containers have drainage holes.
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Ignoring hygiene: Unsterilized tools spread diseases—clean them before and after use.
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Warm temperatures: Hardwood cuttings need cold to root—avoid heated spaces.
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Forgetting to label: It’s easy to mix up varieties—label immediately after planting.
Final Thoughts
December shrub cuttings are a cost-effective and rewarding way to expand your garden. With the right varieties, tools, and care, you’ll be rewarded with healthy new shrubs by spring. Whether you’re propagating roses for a colorful border or hydrangeas for a shady spot, the key is patience—hardwood cuttings take time, but the results are well worth it. Happy propagating!