Propagating Juniper and Cypress from Cuttings: A Zone 5 Guide

A gardener in Zone 5 wants to propagate Oregon Blue Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) and Hetzi Columnar Juniper (Juniperus chinensis) from cuttings.

Best Time to Take Cuttings

Take cuttings when the plants are dormant—late fall to winter. Exposing stock plants to hard freezes improves rooting success. For outdoor cold frames, take cuttings in late summer or early fall.

Rooting Medium and Conditions

• Medium: Coarse sand or a 10:1 perlite-to-peat moss mix.
• Rooting hormone: Use IBA at 2500–8000 ppm (liquid) or 0.3–4.5% (talc). Lightly wound the base of cuttings before dipping.
• Environment: High humidity (mist or plastic cover), bright light, and bottom heat of 60–65°F (12–18°C) for the first six weeks.

Timeline

Rooting can take several weeks to months. Keep the medium moist but not waterlogged. Once rooted, acclimate gradually before transplanting.