If you’re looking to expand your garden without breaking the bank, propagating privet (Ligustrum) is a total game-changer. The most popular and reliable way to do this is by using cuttings. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to take your own cuttings and turn them into thriving young shrubs.
Different Ways to Propagate Privet
While using cuttings is the go-to method for propagating privet, it’s not the only trick in the book. You can also try:
- Layering (bending a branch down to the soil until it roots)
- Growing from seeds
How to Take the Perfect Cuttings
To get started, you’ll need to snip some healthy material. The best time to do this is during your regular privet pruning session in the spring. Here’s the play-by-play:
- Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut young, fresh shoots. Aim for pieces about 8 inches (20 cm) long.
- Snip off the soft tip of the shoot and strip away the leaves. Removing the leaves prevents them from rotting underground and encourages the plant to put all its energy into growing roots.
- Pro tip: Always cut more than you think you’ll need! Even though privet is a hardy grower, not every single cutting is guaranteed to take. It’s better to have a few spares.
Growing Your Cuttings in Pots
Once you’ve got your cuttings ready, it’s time to get them started in their new homes.
- Fill some starter pots with high-quality potting soil or a specialized seed-starting mix.
- Poke the cuttings into the soil deep enough so that only about 2 inches (5 cm) are sticking out of the top.
- Give them a good drink of water and make sure the soil stays consistently moist over the next few weeks.
- After a little while, you’ll see new leaves and shoots popping up. That’s your sign that roots are officially forming!
- Once the little guys have a solid root system and look sturdy enough, you can plant them out in the garden or move them into a larger decorative pot.
The “Direct-to-Garden” Method
If you want to skip the pots, you can actually stick your hardwood cuttings directly into the ground where you want them to grow permanently. Just keep them well-watered so they can root quickly. This is super convenient because it saves you the trouble of transplanting them later, and the plant gets used to its permanent spot right from day one.
Caring for Your Young Privet Plants
The secret to success here is moisture. Both the initial cuttings and the young plants need plenty of humidity and soil moisture to thrive. They also love the sun! Place your pots in a warm, bright spot—a sunny windowsill indoors is usually the perfect “nursery” for your new garden additions.
