The short version
- You need a wire wreath frame (12-18"), paddle floral wire, pruners and a big pile of 4-6" boxwood sprigs.
- Make small bundles of 3-5 sprigs and wire them onto the frame, overlapping each bundle to hide the stems.
- Soak cuttings overnight first and mist the finished wreath to keep it fresh for weeks.
- Hang fresh boxwood out of direct sun; it gradually dries to a soft sage green.
- Same technique works with artificial boxwood stems or faux dogwood blossoms for a year-round wreath.
After we removed the overgrown shrubs from the front of our house, I was left with a mountain of boxwood clippings. Instead of hauling them to the curb, I made a fresh boxwood wreath for our front door. It took about 20 minutes and cost me nothing. Store-bought fresh boxwood wreaths can run $50 to $100 - so this is one of my favorite little DIYs.
What you'll need
- Wire wreath frame (12-18 inches)
- Paddle floral wire (22-24 gauge)
- Sharp pruners
- Boxwood cuttings, 4-6 inches long
- Ribbon for hanging (optional bow)
- Gloves - boxwood sap can irritate skin
Step 1: Gather and prep your boxwood
Cut sprigs about 4-6 inches long from the healthiest, greenest parts of the shrub. If you're pruning a living plant, take cuttings from all around it so you don't leave holes. Strip the leaves off the bottom inch of each stem. For the longest-lasting wreath, soak the cuttings in a bucket of water overnight.
Step 2: Make little bundles
Gather 3-5 sprigs into a small bunch with the stems lined up. Make a pile of 25-40 bundles before you start - it makes the assembly go fast.
Step 3: Wire the bundles onto the frame
- Attach the wire. Tie the end of the paddle wire to the frame. Don't cut it - you'll work continuously.
- Add the first bundle. Lay it on the frame and wrap the wire tightly around the stems 2-3 times.
- Overlap the next bundle. Place the next bundle so its leaves cover the stems of the first, and wrap again. Keep going around the frame in the same direction.
- Cover the inside and outside edges. Angle some bundles slightly in and some out so the wreath looks full from the front.
- Finish. Tuck the final bundle's stems under the leaves of the first one, wrap a few times, cut the wire and twist the end into the back.
Step 4: Shape and trim
Hold the wreath up at arm's length and trim any stray pieces with your pruners to get a nice round shape. Fill any thin spots by tucking in individual sprigs - the stems will stay put in the wire.
Step 5: Hang it and keep it fresh
Add a loop of ribbon or a simple bow and hang it. To keep it green as long as possible, mist it every few days and keep it out of direct afternoon sun. As it dries, boxwood fades to a beautiful soft sage - I often leave mine up well after it's "done."
Wreath variations to try
- DIY artificial boxwood wreath: cut faux boxwood picks into short pieces and use the exact same bundling method - it lasts for years.
- Dogwood wreath: start with a grapevine base, add a little greenery, then cluster faux dogwood blooms in a crescent along one side. A perfect spring wreath (and very on-brand for us).
- Mini boxwood wreaths: use 6-8 inch frames and hang them on kitchen cabinet doors or windows with ribbon.
- Holiday version: add pine cones, dried orange slices and a velvet bow.
Looking for more ways to dress up your entry? See our budget outdoor decorating tips.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a fresh boxwood wreath last?
Indoors, about 2-4 weeks before it starts to dry; outdoors in cool, shaded conditions it can stay green for a month or more. Even dried, boxwood holds its shape and turns a pretty muted green.
How do you keep a boxwood wreath fresh?
Soak the cuttings in water overnight before you build, mist the finished wreath every few days, keep it out of direct sun and away from heat vents. An anti-transpirant spray helps outdoor wreaths last longer.
How much boxwood do I need for a wreath?
For a 14-inch frame, roughly a full kitchen trash bag of loosely packed 4-6 inch sprigs. It always takes more than you expect.
Can I make a DIY artificial boxwood wreath?
Yes. Buy faux boxwood picks or garland, cut them into 4-6 inch pieces and wire them on with the same bundling technique, or hot-glue them to a foam or grapevine form.
How do you make a dogwood wreath?
Start with a grapevine wreath, tuck in a few sprigs of greenery for fullness, then add faux dogwood stems around one side in a crescent shape, securing them with floral wire or hot glue.
