42 Hardwood Crops to Propagate in Winter

If you think winter’s the time to pause all your gardening and plant-related tasks, think again! The cooler months are the perfect time to propagate many hardwood plants. By taking a few hardwood cuttings in late fall or winter and then rooting or grafting them, you end up with a handful of new plants for your spring garden.

You can successfully propagate many, but not all, hardwood plants via cuttings. While you’re welcome to experiment with taking cuttings and attempting to root them, we’re here to save you some of the guesswork by providing a list of tried-and-true plants that respond well to winter propagation efforts.

How to Propagate Hardwood Plants in Winter

Winter propagation of hardwood plants uses cuttings from stems at least a year old.

The easiest and most reliable way to propagate many hardwood plants in winter is by hardwood cuttings. These cuttings come from rigid stems or shoots that are usually at least one year old. You can take these cuttings during the winter or save cuttings from the material you’ve pruned off in the fall.

Depending on the type of plant and your end goal, you can propagate the cuttings by rooting them in moist media or grafting them onto a compatible rootstock. Rooting the cuttings forms plants identical to the parent plant, while grafting the plants allows you to combine the characteristics of the cutting with those of another plant.

You can also propagate some hardwood plants during cold seasons by planting seeds. However, plants grown from seed take longer to mature than plants propagated from cuttings, and seeds often need warmth and light to germinate.

Hardwood Plants to Propagate in Winter

Some hardwood plants are easier to propagate in winter than others, but the tricky part is knowing which ones to try! The 42 plants listed below are a great place to start.

Abelia

This flowering shrub, originating from East Asia or Mexico, features colorful foliage and tubular flowers.

	botanical name Linnaea spp. and Zabelia spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-10 feet
	hardiness zones 4-11

These plants belonged to a genus of the same name until plant scientists recognized they weren’t all closely related. This realization led to the split into two genera in the honeysuckle family: Linnaea and Zabelia.

All abelia plants are small to medium shrubs native to East Asia or Mexico. The plants produce lush green leaves that turn beautiful shades of red and purple in colder regions. Beautiful tubular flowers appear in early summer and remain until fall.

If you’d like to propagate abelia plants, use a pair of sharp pruning shears to take hardwood cuttings in late fall or winter. Trim the cuttings to six inches, dip the bottom ends in rooting hormone, and place the cuttings in a pot filled with well-draining soil mix. If you keep the soil moist and warm, the cuttings should root in a couple of months.

American Beautyberry

Propagating American beautyberry involves rooting cuttings in winter for best results.

	botanical name Callicarpa americana
	sun requirements Partial sun
	height 3-8 feet
	hardiness zones 6-10

A striking native shrub, the American beautyberry is one of my top choices for gardens in the Southeast. The plants produce cute clusters of white or pink flowers and bright purple fruits. These fruits beautify the garden and provide songbirds with a valuable winter food source.

While many people propagate American beautyberry from softwood cuttings in spring, you can also root hardwood cuttings in winter. Not all cuttings will successfully root, so plant multiple to increase your chances of success. Select healthy cuttings, dip the bottom ends in rooting hormone, place in a well-draining soil mix, and water well. Keep the soil moist and warm.

Avoid touching the cuttings for the first two months since this can disturb tender new roots. Check them for roots in spring and move rooted ones to larger pots or into your garden.

American Sycamore

Propagate American sycamore during winter by using hardwood cuttings from suckers for planting.

	botanical name Platanus occidentalis
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 75-100 feet
	hardiness zones 4-9

Native to much of the eastern United States, the American sycamore lines riverbanks and acts as a shade tree in areas with moist soil. The tree’s stunning bark stands out as large patches of gray peel off to reveal white inner bark. American sycamore trees also produce unique round seed balls.

You can easily propagate these trees in winter through hardwood cuttings. Obtain dormant hardwood sections from suckers near the base of the trees. Place the bottom four to six inches in well-draining soil in a pot or protected outdoor area. Plant your sycamore in its permanent location once it has developed new leaves and roots.

Apple

Consider adding an apple tree to your garden for delicious produce.

	botanical name Malus spp.
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 6-30 feet
	hardiness zones 3-8

If you want to add your first fruit tree to your garden, consider an apple tree! These plants come in various sizes and fruit flavors, so you can find one well-suited to your area. And if you already have an apple tree at home (or are looking to produce your own), you can propagate these plants yourself.

The late winter is the best time to propagate apples from hardwood. Grafting is a better option than rooting cuttings because it allows you to combine the tasty fruits of one variety with the disease resistance and growth form of another. The top part of the graft, the scion, determines the fruit’s taste and some disease resistance. The bottom portion of the graft, the rootstock, impacts characteristics like tree size, cold hardiness, and drought tolerance.

If you’re growing a popular apple variety like ‘Liberty’ or ‘Pink Lady’ at home, cuttings from the parent tree will produce fruits with similar flavor and texture. However, you’ll need a suitable rootstock to graft the scion onto. Some popular apple rootstock options include MM111 and Geneva 30.

Apricot

These trees require a bit of a wait for their sought-after, delicious fruits.

	botanical name Prunus armeniaca
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 5-25 feet
	hardiness zones 5-8

If you’ve ever bit into a freshly picked apricot still warm from the sun, you know that nothing compares to the tart, sweet, and floral flavor. Fortunately, apricot trees make great garden additions in much of the United States. While newly planted trees require a few years of growth before they produce the sought-after fruits, it’s worth the wait.

Like other deciduous fruit trees, grafting allows you to alter the plant’s height. While standard trees may be welcome additions to large yards, dwarf trees fit better in small gardens. By choosing a variety with delicious fruit for the top of the graft and a suitable rootstock for the bottom, you can end up with a tree that matches your needs.

Obtain hardwood cuttings to use as scions in winter and store them in a cool, moist area until you’re ready to graft. As far as rootstocks go, you can use peach, plum, or apricot options. By grafting in late winter, you can have new trees ready to plant out the following spring.

Azalea

Easily propagate azaleas by taking softwood cuttings during fall to winter.

	botanical name Rhododendron spp.
	sun requirements Partial shade
	height 3-20 feet
	hardiness zones 5-8

Azaleas are a group of evergreen shrubs that brighten the spring and summer garden with colorful flowers. With hundreds of cultivars, you can find tall azaleas with bright pink flowers and short varieties with deep orange blooms.

Softwood azalea cuttings root much more readily than hardwood cuttings. Look for soft, flexible growth at the end of an azalea stem, and take a cutting that is six inches long. Strip the leaves off the bottom four inches of the stem and dip the end in rooting hormone. Place the bottom two inches of the section in a container filled with loose potting mix and water it in. Then, place it somewhere warm.

You can propagate azaleas from cuttings anytime from the fall through winter. When spring arrives, the cuttings will have root systems that allow the plants to survive their life outdoors.

Blueberry

Propagating blueberry bushes from dormant hardwood cuttings increases berry production.

	botanical name Vaccinium spp.
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2-8 feet
	hardiness zones 4-10

If you have blueberry bushes at home, you know there’s no such thing as too many of these sweet summer berries. Fortunately, you can easily propagate blueberries in winter. Don’t toss all the cuttings after you’ve pruned your blueberry bushes! Dormant hardwood cuttings are perfect for propagating.

Trim the pieces so they’re six to ten inches long, and dip the bottom ends in rooting hormone. Although this step is optional, it will increase the chances of success. Set the bottom four inches of each blueberry section in a well-draining potting mix and water, and set them somewhere with warm, humid air.

When spring arrives, the cuttings will have roots and should be ready to move outdoors. Repot them into individual pots or plant the rooted ones directly into your garden.

Bottlebrush

These evergreen shrubs with spiky flowers resembling round brushes thrive in warmer climates.

	botanical name Callistemon spp.
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 8-30 feet
	hardiness zones 7-11

Bottlebrushes are evergreen shrubs that produce spiky flowers in the warmer months. These flowers resemble the small brushes used to clean out narrow-neck bottles, hence their common name. Since these plants prefer warmer climates, they’re best suited for the South.

You can propagate bottlebrush plants in winter by taking semi-hardwood cuttings. Dip the bottom of the cuttings in rooting hormone, place them in a well-draining soil mix, and cover them with a plastic bag. It will be about a 10-week wait for them to form roots.

As the water droplets evaporate inside the plastic bag, remove it and spray it with more water. Moisten the soil and replace the bag until it’s time to plant your newly rooted bottlebrush in the garden.

Boxwood

Easily propagate boxwoods in winter by rooting cuttings with rooting hormone and transplanting in spring.

	botanical name Buxus spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1-20 feet
	hardiness zones 5-9

Evergreen boxwoods are some of the most favored shrubs for everything from manicured English gardens to shaped topiaries and small window boxes. And since people often use them as hedges, they’re popular for group plantings. 

One of the easiest ways to propagate boxwoods is by rooting cuttings in winter and planting them outdoors in spring. Start by taking semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy boxwoods, then trim them to six inches. Apply rooting hormone to the bottom and place them in a well-draining soil mix.

Overwinter the cuttings in a protected area like a cold frame or greenhouse or keep them in a warm climate. The plants will develop roots in a month or two. When spring rolls around, replant the new plants in a larger pot or garden with room to expand.

Butterfly Bush

To propagate butterfly bushes, use spring softwood cuttings or winter hardwood cuttings with rooting hormone.

	botanical name Buddleia davidii
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 4-16 feet
	hardiness zones 5-9

Although the butterfly bush isn’t native to North America, it’s a popular addition to pollinator gardens due to its clusters of fragrant flowers that butterflies love. If you’d like to share one of these plants with a friend, you can propagate them at home.

Rooting softwood cuttings in spring is one popular way to propagate these bushes. However, you can also propagate them by seed or hardwood cuttings in winter. Since not all hardwood cuttings will form roots, use rooting hormone and plant multiple cuttings to increase your odds of success.

You need a plastic dome or baggie to keep the air around your to-be-rooted plants humid. Affix one of these around your propagation containers, and add water as needed. In three to six weeks, they’ll root.

Common Jasmine

Winter is the perfect time to propagate common jasmine by rooting hardwood cuttings in damp soil.

	botanical name Jasminum officinale
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 10-40 feet
	hardiness zones 7-10

Common jasmine grows as an impressive, evergreen vine, but its fragrant flowers set it apart. The alluring and rich aroma fills gardens and adds a unique scent to products, including candles and perfumes. Not only do the flowers bring smiles to our faces, but they also attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

When propagating common jasmine in winter, rooting hardwood cuttings is the best method. Wait until the plant goes dormant, then take foot-long cuttings from healthy vines. Place the bottom halves of the cuttings in moist media, set them somewhere warm and humid, and wait a few months for them to root fully.

Camellia

These winter bloomers can be propagated from six-inch cuttings in late winter for successful growth.

	botanical name Camellia spp.
	sun requirements Partial shade
	height 6-25 feet
	hardiness zones 7-10

Camellias are gorgeous evergreen flowering shrubs that produce blooms in winter or early spring. Many gardeners plant them to add a bit of color to otherwise drab winter gardens.

People propagate camellia plants by planting seeds, rooting cuttings, layering, and grafting. Many of these methods work best in the spring or summer, but you can propagate camellia plants from clippings in winter.

The late winter is often the best time to propagate camellia plants from cuttings. Once the plant stops flowering, you should see it generating new vegetative growth. Take six-inch snips from these active stems and place the cuttings in potting soil to root.

They need a warm, humid area to root properly. Keep the soil moist, and you’ll have new camellias within eight weeks.

Currant

These shrubs yield berries that make tasty preserves and sauces.

	botanical name Ribes sativum
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 3-6 feet
	hardiness zones 3-8

No matter what color currant you enjoy most, all of these small round fruits cook down into delicious jams, spreads, and sauces. And since they grow as small shrubs, they fit into compact spaces that can’t handle larger fruit trees.

All types of currants are easy to propagate from hardwood clippings. Wait until the plants lose their leaves in the fall, then take a section from a healthy stem. Trim the cuttings so each one is six to eight inches long.

Currants easily root indoors or out, so you can put them in a sheltered cold frame or indoor pot filled with well-draining soil. By spring, the plants will have developed roots and new leaves.

Deutzia

A lesser-known flowering shrub, deutzia serves as both stand-alone plants and hedges.

	botanical name Deutzia spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1-10 feet
	hardiness zones 5-8

Lesser-known flowering shrubs, members of the Deutzia genus work well as stand-alone plants and hedges. Most species send out loads of white flowers in the spring, but some display pink blooms instead.

Propagate deutzia plants by rooting hardwood cuttings. Take snippets in the late fall or winter, dip the ends in rooting hormone, and place them in well-draining soil. Not all clippings will form roots, so plant more cuttings than you need.

Keep them warm, or at least in an area above 40°F (4°C). Some kind of humidity dome or clear plastic cover will boost root growth, and you’ll have new deutzia plants in about six weeks.

Dogwood

These come in various sizes and colors, fitting both small gardens and native plant collections.

	botanical name Cornus spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 5-35 feet
	hardiness zones 5-8

Whether you want a small tree with pink flowers or a large shrub with fiery red stems, there’s a dogwood for you. Many of these trees are native to the US, so naturally, they make nice additions to native plant gardens.

Although many people propagate dogwood trees from softwood cuttings in the spring, you can also root hardwood cuttings in the cold seasons. To use this method, take hardwood sections from a healthy, rigid branch about as thick as a pencil. Divide them so they’re six to ten inches long, dip the bottoms in rooting hormone, then place them in a container or trench filled with well-draining soil.

The plants will form roots by the following spring. At this point, you can allow them to continue growing in a container or plant them in your garden.

Eastern Cottonwood

Propagate this plant through spring semi-hardwood cuttings or winter-rooted cuttings.

	botanical name Populus deltoides
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 75-100 feet
	hardiness zones 3-9

You can find Eastern cottonwoods throughout the eastern United States in areas with moist soil. A member of the willow family, the large tree is a quick-grower with a large, open crown. Although it’s an attractive plant, its fragile root system means it’s not the best choice for residential areas. However, it’s a great tree for parks and wild areas. Be forewarned that this species is intolerant of shade – it loves its sunlight!

People often propagate these trees from semi-hardwood cuttings in the spring, but you can also root them in the winter. One option is to obtain semi-hardwood sections in the late fall and store them until winter arrives, and another option is to use hardwood.

Obtain either type of cutting from side shoots growing off the base of the plant. Scratch the bottom of the cuttings with a sharp knife, then place the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix to root. They’ll be ready in four to six weeks.

Elderberry

Cherished by birds, elderberries enhance gardens with their fragrant flowers.

	botanical name Sambucus spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 5-12 feet
	hardiness zones 4-9

Beloved by birds, health enthusiasts, and distillers alike, elderberries make great additions to many gardens. Their clusters of fragrant flowers add flavor to liqueur, and the berries provide a healthy boost of antioxidants.

Plus, elderberry plants are some of the easiest plants to propagate in cold times of the year. Take hardwood clippings in the fall or winter and place them in moist yet well-draining soil. The cuttings will form roots and be ready to plant outdoors in spring! You can also take cuttings in the winter and plant them directly into the ground when early spring arrives.

Fig

Even in cold regions, fig plants can survive temperatures as low as 0°F (-18°C) with proper care.

	botanical name Ficus carica
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 5-15 feet
	hardiness zones 6-10

While figs grow best in warm climates, cold-hardy varieties can withstand below-freezing temperatures. And if you provide them with row cover and mulch, they can withstand brief periods down to 0°F (-18°C)! So, if you assume you can’t grow figs where you live, think again.

One way to produce new fig plants is to plant hardwood clippings in the winter. Wait until the tree goes dormant in the fall, then obtain a few cuttings about a foot long. Dip the bottom ends in rooting hormone and place the bottom six inches in a pot filled with well-draining soil mix.

Set the cuttings somewhere between 70-80°F (21-27°C) and keep the soil moist but not wet. Avoid touching the cuttings for the following few months. New leaf growth typically coincides with root development, so plant green cuttings outdoors the following spring.

Forsythia

These rapid-growing shrubs with yellow flowers are perfect for landscaping.

	botanical name Forsythia spp.
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-10 feet
	hardiness zones 5-9

Although they can easily take over a garden, forsythias’ quick-growing nature makes them popular for barren areas and new landscaping projects. The shrubs produce long, thin branches that become covered with yellow flowers in early spring.

Not only are these plants easy to grow outdoors, but they’re also easy to propagate in winter. Harvest foot-long sections from dormant plants, then stick them in moist, well-draining, aerated soil. At least half the cuttings will produce roots and be ready for you to plant outdoors in spring.

Gooseberry

Propagate gooseberries in winter by planting hardwood cuttings dipped in rooting hormone.

	botanical name Ribes spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3 feet
	hardiness zones 4-6

Often confused with currants, gooseberries are edible shrubs that produce small, round, tart fruits. The two main gooseberry species are the American gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum) and the European gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa).

To propagate gooseberry plants in cold seasons, start by taking a few hardwood clippings from your plant or obtain cuttings from a friend. Dip the ends in a rooting hormone, place them in moist, well-draining soil, then leave them undisturbed for the next month. Successfully rooted cuttings will produce new green growth to accompany their roots.

Grape

Growing grapes at home offers unique varieties and flavors unavailable in stores.

	botanical name Vitis spp.
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 6-12 feet
	hardiness zones 4-10

Whether you want to try your hand at making garden-to-table wine or are looking for a refreshing snack for your kids, try growing grapes! Planting grapes at home lets you enjoy tasty varieties you can’t find in stores.

If you want to propagate grapes in winter, you have two options. First, you can take hardwood sections and root them in moist soil. Another option is to graft a tasty variety onto a productive and disease-resistant rootstock. Rooting cuttings is easier and suitable for most home growers, but you won’t enjoy the benefits of specialized rootstocks.

Holly

Propagating hollies via cuttings requires proper care and well-drained soil for rooting.

	botanical name Ilex spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 5-50 feet
	hardiness zones 5-10

While English holly is a popular and iconic plant, did you know there are over 500 species in the holly family? All of these plants have evergreen foliage and produce small, round fruits that are beloved by wildlife. Some of the species have spiky leaves, but many sport rounded leaves with smooth margins.

Since holly is popular as a winter decoration, it’s easy to spend a moment propagating a few more holly plants. Wait until the plants go dormant, then take six to eight-inch cuttings from healthy branches.

Since holly plants are evergreen, time your propagation on the time of year rather than the plant’s appearance. Fall and winter are both appropriate times to do this. Place the cuttings in moist yet well-drained soil and wait for them to root. It can take up to 12 weeks.

Honey Locust

The large thorns and spreading seed pods of this tree limit their suitability for many areas.

	botanical name Gleditsia triacanthos
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 50-100 feet
	hardiness zones 4-10

The honey locust is a deciduous plant native to the eastern and central United States. Its rapid growth makes it a popular choice when people need quick shade or erosion control. However, since it sports large thorns and spreads rapidly through its seed pods, it’s not well-suited for many cultivated areas.

To add a few more honey locust trees to your landscape, propagate them in winter using seeds or hardwood clippings. Seeds are the easier method. Collect seed pods when they drop to the ground in the fall and remove them from their pods.

In winter, soak the seeds in hot water for a day to swell them and improve germination. Plant the seeds in moist soil that drains well, and set them somewhere between 55-75°F (13-24°C). Keep them in these conditions, and the seeds will sprout in just under four weeks. Then, plant them out the following spring.

Honeysuckle

Propagate native honeysuckle plants in winter.

	botanical name Lonicera spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 3-20 feet
	hardiness zones 4-10

While many honeysuckle species invade areas and take over native vegetation, some types of native honeysuckle plants make excellent additions to the garden and woodland. Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) and orange honeysuckle (Lonicera ciliosa) are two species native to the United States.

To propagate these plants in chillier seasons, take hardwood sections from dormant plants. By setting these cuttings in warm, moist, well-draining potting soil, you’ll encourage them to root within a few weeks. Plant your successfully rooted cuttings outdoors the following spring.

Hardy Kiwi

These require both male and female plants for fruit production.

	botanical name Actinidia arguta
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 20-40 feet
	hardiness zones 3-8

Hardy kiwi, also known as kiwi berries, are cold-tolerant vines that produce grape-sized fruits that taste like kiwi. Plant them along fences or near arbors for a unique, edible treat. Since the plants contain either male or female flowers, you need at least one of both for the plants to produce fruit.

You can propagate hardy kiwi in winter by rooting hardwood cuttings. Wait until the winter to take hardwood cuttings from healthy vines, then place the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix. Keep them in a temperate environment, and maintain the soil’s moisture. In a few weeks, you should see budding that indicates roots have formed.

Hydrangea

Propagate hydrangeas from hardwood cuttings in winter by obtaining pencil-size healthy stems.

	botanical name Hydrangea spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-6 feet
	hardiness zones 3-9

Hydrangeas are some of the most popular flowering shrubs due to their large, cloud-like flower clusters. Most gardeners propagate hydrangeas from softwood cuttings in the spring, but you can also propagate them in winter from hardwood.

Some hydrangea varieties root better from hardwood cuttings than others, so don’t be afraid to experiment with a few different cultivars. To start, obtain pencil-size hardwood sections from healthy stems, dip the bottoms in rooting hormone, and place the bottom halves of the cuttings in a container filled with well-draining potting mix.

The warmer the ambient temperature, the quicker rooting will occur. Successful cuttings will show new leaves within a month.

Mock Orange

These are cherished for their fragrant blossoms that attract various pollinators.

	botanical name Philadelphus spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-8 feet
	hardiness zones 4-8

People love mock orange plants for their fragrant flowers that fill the garden with the scent of sweet orange blossoms. Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and wasps, also flock to the flowers to enjoy their nectar and pollen. The shrubs grow rapidly, making them a good addition to bare landscapes.

While many people propagate mock orange from softwood cuttings in the spring, the plants will also form roots from hardwood. Select rigid stems in the winter, take ten-inch sections, and place them in a moist yet well-draining soil mix. 

Cover the propagation container with a clear plastic dome or bag, and spritz the inside with water to promote adequate ambient humidity. Then, place the container in a shady spot. Replenish the water as the droplets evaporate, keep the soil moist, and you’ll have new plants in roughly two months.

Mulberry

This tree yields sweet, elongated fruits similar to blackberries.

	botanical name Morus spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 20-50 feet
	hardiness zones 4-9

If you’re looking for a fruit-producing tree that thrives without much care, move the mulberry to the top of your list. You can find multiple mulberry species, but the red mulberry (Morus rubra) is native to much of the eastern US. These trees produce small, sweet fruits that resemble elongated blackberries or raspberries.

Mulberry trees are some of the easiest plants to propagate in winter from hardwood clippings. Take a cutting from a healthy, rigid branch in the winter and stick the bottom end in a moist, well-draining soil mix.

Place them in a shaded location. When spring arrives, you’ll have a handful of rooted cuttings to plant outdoors.

Peach

Prized for their sweet summer fruits, peach trees offer both delicious fruit and aesthetic beauty.

	botanical name Prunus persica
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 4-25 feet
	hardiness zones 4-9

Most people plant peach trees, hoping to bite into sweet, juicy summer fruits. But these trees’ beautiful flowers and appealing form also make them wonderful additions to many gardens. You can find hundreds of different peach cultivars as well as grafted plants.

To propagate your peach tree in winter, start with hardwood cuttings. You can either root these or graft them on rootstocks that provide disease resistance and impact plant size. Rooting these will form plants that produce similar-tasting fruit, but the plants may lack disease resistance provided by the original rootstock.

Pear

Growing pear trees suited to your home climate provides you with abundant, lovely fall fruit.

	botanical name Pyrus spp.
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 6-40 feet
	hardiness zones 3-10

If you want to enjoy crunchy Asian pears or soft and juicy Bartlett pears, try growing pear trees at home. With many different species and varieties to choose from, you can find a pear tree that suits your climate and your taste buds.

Winter propagation starts with hardwood cuttings. You can either attempt to root them in well-draining soil or graft them onto a rootstock. While rooting cuttings is easier, it is less reliable than grafting. Grafting requires more skill, but it allows you to produce new, healthy trees.

Plum

Plums offer an incredible diversity of fruits suited for different purposes and can be grown in many climates.

	botanical name Prunus spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 5-40 feet
	hardiness zones 4-9

Many people think of round, edible fruits when they think of plums. But there are hundreds of different plum species and varieties. Some trees produce large, juicy fruits perfect for eating, while others easily grow in woodlands and produce small fruits for wildlife. With so many options available, you can find a plum for just about every region.

If you want to try your hand at propagating plum trees this winter, start with dormant hardwood sections that are a foot long. Root these cuttings in a well-draining potting mix or graft them onto a compatible rootstock.

As we’ve mentioned with a few other fruit trees here, grafting will produce more reliable results regarding size, disease resistance, and flavor. If you want to root some four to eight-inch sections of dwarf pear trees or 10 to 15-inch sections of standard trees, it is possible.

Take roughly six clippings and remove the bark from the bottom inch or two. Dip them in rooting hormone and place them in containers. It may take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. Once the plants root, you can plant them outside the following spring.

Pussy Willow

The fuzzy catkins of pussy willows offer early food for bees.

	botanical name Salix discolor
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 15-25 feet
	hardiness zones 3-9

It’s hard not to smile at the pussy willow’s fuzzy catkins that appear in late winter or spring. Not only do these furry guys add appeal to the garden, but they also provide an early food source for hungry bees. The pussy willow is also native to much of the Northeast and Midwest, so it’s a great inclusion in native landscapes.

As members of the willow family, pussy willows are easy to propagate from cuttings. During the winter, you’ll start with rigid hardwood at a length of one to two feet. Willows produce their own compounds that make rooting easier, so you can skip the rooting hormone. Then, place them in a well-draining soil mix or water.

In both settings, the new plants should be rooted in a few weeks. Keep them in temperate to warm areas for best results.

Quaking Aspen

Propagate quaking aspen in winter by rooting hardwood or sprouting root cuttings.

	botanical name Populus tremuloides
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 40-50 feet
	hardiness zones 2-6

Perhaps the most famous type of aspen tree, the quaking aspen is native to the Mountain West and much of Canada. People worldwide flock to aspen groves in the fall to bask in the beauty of the white trunks and rustling yellow leaves. Since these trees naturally spread by root sprouts, large plant colonies may actually be a single, clonal plant.

If you’d like to propagate quaking aspen trees in winter, you can do so with hardwood clippings. Wait for a frost-free day in the chillier season. Since these are more difficult to root, start with a cutting from a stem that experienced vigorous growth the previous year.

Another way to propagate these plants in winter is by sprouting root sections. Collect roots that are about a foot long, then place the roots in a container filled with peat moss. Keep the material moist and warm, and suckers will appear within two months.

Cut the suckers where they attach to the root, dip the ends in rooting hormone, then place them in a well-draining mix so they can form roots. This should take a few weeks.

Rose of Sharon

A woody hibiscus from Asia, the Rose of Sharon offers diverse cultivars in color and height.

	botanical name Hibiscus syriacus
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6-12 feet
	hardiness zones 5-8

Also known as common hibiscus, the Rose of Sharon is a woody plant native to Asia. Today, you can find cultivars with various flower colors and heights. Rose of Sharon is yet another plant you can root in the winter by taking hardwood clippings.

Take healthy, foot-long sections from dormant plants, dip the bottom ends in rooting hormone, then place the bottom halves of the cuttings in well-drained soil. Set the plants somewhere warm and watch for new growth. The new plants will form roots within a month.

Snowberry

This is a small to medium shrub with clusters of white, pink, or red fruits.

	botanical name Symphoricarpos spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 3-6 feet
	hardiness zones 3-7

Snowberry bushes are a genus of plants in the honeysuckle family. Most species are native to parts of the northern US. These plants grow as small to medium shrubs and produce clusters of small, round fruits. The fruits are white, pink, or red, depending on the species and its environment.

You can easily propagate the snowberry in winter from dormant hardwood. Make sure the cuttings are at last pencil-width and six inches long. Use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut across the bottom of the twig, dip it in rooting hormone, then place it in a moist yet well-draining potting mix.

Provide a clear plastic covering in areas with low humidity. Spritz the interior with water, and monitor the covered planter over the rooting period. Add more water as needed to keep the interior humid and the soil moist. In six to eight weeks, you’ll have new snowberries.

Spirea

Propagate spirea shrubs in winter by taking pencil-size cuttings from healthy branches.

	botanical name Spiraea spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-10 feet
	hardiness zones 3-9

Also known as meadowsweets, spirea shrubs consist of about 100 different species of deciduous bushes. The plants produce clusters of small flowers, making them attractive additions to gardens in the Northern Hemisphere. Most spirea species are native to Asia, but a few species originated in North America.

The best way to propagate spirea shrubs in winter is by rooting hardwood just before bud break in late winter. Wait until the plants are dormant, then take pencil-size sections from healthy branches. Applying rooting hormone is optional, but it will increase the odds of rooting.

Set the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix or directly in the garden ground in a shady location. Place rooting containers in a protected area as well. Keep the soil moisture consistent; you’ll have new meadowsweet bushes in six to eight weeks.

Strawberry Bush

A hardy shrub, strawberry bush thrives in Eastern US landscapes.

	botanical name Euonymus americanus
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 2-6 feet
	hardiness zones 5-9

Also known as hearts-a-bustin’, this beautiful shrub is an excellent choice for native landscaping in the eastern US. It thrives in shady areas and can tolerate drought once established. The plant gets its name from pink strawberry-like seed capsules that burst open to reveal small, red fruits.

Although many people propagate strawberry bush from softwood cuttings in warmer times of year, you can also propagate this plant in winter from hardwood cuttings or seeds. Once the plants go dormant, place healthy hardwood clippings in moist, well-draining soil mix to root. It may take some time to grow them this way.

You can also produce the plants from seeds. Set the seeds somewhere cold for at least a month (up to three total), soak the seeds in water for a day, then plant. The seeds can take multiple weeks to germinate, so keep the soil moist and remain patient.

Weeping Willow

This tree’s susceptibility to insects and invasive roots makes it less ideal for residential areas.

	botanical name Salix babylonica
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 30-50 feet
	hardiness zones 4-9

If there’s one tree that belongs in romantic movies, it’s the weeping willow. This tree’s slender branches cascade to the ground, covered in elongated, silver-green leaves. Although beautiful, their susceptibility to insects and disease and their invasive roots mean they’re not always the best option for residential areas.

To propagate weeping willow in the winter, start with hardwood sections from newer growth. Put the bottoms of the cuttings in a moist yet well-draining potting mix and wait for the cuttings to root. This should take one to two months.

Weigela

A popular flowering shrub from East Asia, weigela can be propagated from hardwood cuttings.

	botanical name Weigela spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 3-10 feet
	hardiness zones 4-9

Weigela is a group of flowering shrubs native to East Asia. These plants have become popular in temperate gardens worldwide due to their beautiful flowers, colorful leaves, and hardiness. Plant breeders created many weigela cultivars, and you can now find plants with variegated leaves and pink flowers and cultivars with deep purple foliage.

Propagating weigela plants from hardwood allows you to produce plants that resemble the parent plant. Collect healthy hardwood sections in the late fall or winter. You can store them in a cool, moist area or root them immediately after harvesting. Give the bottom a fresh cut, then dip them in rooting hormone.

Place them in a moist, well-draining soil mix and monitor for new growth. Put your rooting containers in a shaded area. Keeping the soil moist for the first seven to ten days is important. In a few weeks, you’ll have new weigela plants.

Wisteria

Regular pruning is essential for maintaining a neat shape when growing wisteria.

	botanical name Wisteria spp.
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 20-50 feet
	hardiness zones 5-9

Gardeners love wisteria plants due to the lovely purple flowers hanging from robust vines. Planting a wisteria against a fence or arbor can transform an otherwise drab part of a garden into a thing of magic. However, before you plant one of these vines, be aware that you must regularly prune it to maintain a neat shape. For best results, plant American Wisteria over Asian varieties, which can be invasive.

When you prune a wisteria plant, use the cuttings to produce new plants. Save some dormant hardwood sections from your winter prune and place them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and warm to encourage the cuttings to root. Reduce watering in the span of four to six weeks as new plants develop.

Viburnum

Propagate viburnum in winter with half-inch cuttings dipped in rooting hormone.

	botanical name Viburnum spp.
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-20 feet
	hardiness zones 2-9

Viburnums are a large group of spring-blooming shrubs in the honeysuckle family. Along with their flowers, they produce attractive leather-like leaves and bright fruit clusters. Depending on the species, these shrubs lose their foliage in the winter or remain evergreen. Many viburnum species are native to the United States, so choose a species native to your region to end up with a low-maintenance plant.

The winter is a great time to propagate viburnums with hardwood cuttings. Select sections from healthy stems that are at least half an inch wide. Dip the bottom of the cuttings in rooting hormone, then set them in a moist, aerated potting mix.

Place the propagation containers in bright, indirect light and keep the mix moist. In about four weeks, tug on the cutting to see if it has developed roots. Resistance indicates you’ve been successful.

Virginia Creeper

This plant easily climbs structures with fiery red, easy-maintenance fall foliage.

	botanical name Parthenocissus quinquefolia
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-20 feet
	hardiness zones 3-9

The Virginia creeper is a stunning climbing vine native to the eastern and central United States. It’s easy to maintain and makes an attractive addition to arbors, brick walls, fences, and other structures. While it prefers full sun conditions, this vine is one of the few that is tolerant of all lighting conditions, including heavy shade. Its leaves typically contain five leaflets, but leaves with three or seven leaflets may also appear. These green leaves change to fiery red in the fall before dropping off the plants.

The best way to propagate Virginia creeper plants in winter is by rooting sections of woody growth. Start by taking cuttings from a rigid portion of the vine. Cut larger pieces into eight-inch cuttings, then dip the bottom ends in rooting hormone. Place them in moist, well-draining potting mix, then set the cuttings somewhere warm until they root in spring.

Final Thoughts

Propagating hardwood plants in the winter allows you to scratch your gardening itch and provide yourself with new plants for the spring garden. Pick a few from the list, obtain the necessary materials, and prepare to form new plants.