Hardwood cuttings: timing and species

Hardwood cuttings are taken from fully dormant, current-season growth after the wood has ripened and the plant has entered winter dormancy. This is one of the easiest and most forgiving propagation methods for deciduous shrubs -- you don't need mist systems, bottom heat, or special facilities. The.

Hardwood cuttings are taken from fully dormant, current-season growth after the wood has ripened and the plant has entered winter dormancy. This is one of the easiest and most forgiving propagation methods for deciduous shrubs — you don't need mist systems, bottom heat, or special facilities. The cuttings can sit in cold storage for months before rooting conditions are needed. Per NC State Extension, hardwood cuttings are the standard method for many landscape shrubs, including dogwood, forsythia, willow, privet, and roses.

What "hardwood" means

Per Penn State Extension, "hardwood" in this context means wood from the current season's growth that has ripened fully — bark is firm, wood is hard, and the plant is fully dormant. This is distinct from "softwood" (actively growing, spring), "semi-hardwood" (partially ripe, summer), and the previous year's old wood.

The hardwood cutting window is late fall through winter — after leaf drop and before new growth begins the following spring.