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Can you grow sweet box/saracococca from cuttings?

bridget.shimwell43bridget.shimwell43 Posts: 2
in Tools and techniques
My saracococca confusa shrubs were new in the ground  last spring. They are  just about surviving.
I just wondered if I could start some new plants from cuttings?
Any tips?
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Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    Cuttings from elsewhere, yes. Cuttings from a struggling plant, unlikely to succeed


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    We started ours from a cutting but it was from an established plant. It has done really well and we have given cuttings to others. Wonderful plant for winter and fragrance.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I agree with @nutcutlet. Cuttings taken from a struggling plant is never a great idea - for the plant or any cuttings. 
    Can you identify why they're struggling @bridget.shimwell43? It may simply be that they were still establishing when that cold spell of wet/freeze weather hit them. If they were only small specimens when planted out, that would have been even more difficult for them. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    where are they growing? Mine do well in shade, one which later became exposed to sun looks very sad


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    They take very easily from cuttings. I had around 2 dozen, 18 month old cuttings, in 9cm pots over the winter and all but 1 survived. 

  • Papi JoPapi Jo Posts: 4,254
    M'y sarcococca self-seeds all over the place. I've given quite a few away. No need for cuttings!
  • gardeningzilla9XtYVKecgardeningzilla9XtYVKec Posts: 4

    Hi there! Sorry to hear that your Saracococca confusa shrubs are struggling. It's definitely possible to propagate new plants from cuttings, and it's a great way to get more plants for your garden.

    In my experience, the best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. You'll want to take cuttings that are around 4-6 inches long and remove the lower leaves, leaving just a few at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil.

    Make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and keep the cutting in a shaded area to prevent it from drying out. With a little patience and care, your new cuttings should start to root and grow into healthy new plants. Good luck!

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I reckon you're thinking what I'm thinking re those 'gardener expert' posts @pansyface  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    pansyface said:
    Would I?
     :D 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • bridget.shimwell43bridget.shimwell43 Posts: 2
    Thank you all for your interest. 
    I'm thinking they did get too much sun probably. (Was v hot and dry last yr) I will reposition and hope for the best. 
    My mum has some good healthy confusa so I will go and pinch some of hers for cuttings!
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