Select a Hydrangea to Propagate
The best hydrangea to propagate is a vigorous, healthy plant.
It should be free ofpests and diseases.
Some hydrangea cultivars are patented.
Credit:Krisada Panichgul
A patented cultivar is protected, and it isillegal to reproduce a patented cultivarby any method.
Popular varieties such as Limelight, Strawberry Sundae, and Bobo are all protected by patents.
Lets break them down to find which one is the best for you.
Credit:KRISTSADA Panichgul
In a few weeks, the cutting develops roots, and a new plant grows.
Maintaining consistent warmth and humidity around the cutting until it produces new roots is important.
Stem cuttings are usually the most prolific method of propagation.
Best for:Producing many new hydrangea plants.
The amount of space near the parent plant limits ground layering propagation.
Best for:Making only a couple of new plants.
Best for:Propagating smooth and oakleaf hydrangeas.
In summer, the shrub’s partly matured growth known as semi-hardwood can also be cut for propagating.
Propagating Hydrangeas from Stem Cuttings
Mid-spring or early summer is the best time to take hydrangea cuttings.
Step 2:Remove the two lowest leaves from the cutting.
This exposes the leaf nodes, from which new roots will emerge.
Step 3:Cut the remaining leaves on the cutting down to half their size.
Reducing the leaf size lessens the pressure on the plant to support the leafy growth.
Instead, the plant can push resources toward forming new roots.
Step 4:Dip the cut end of the stem cutting intorooting hormone.
Although rooting hormone is not essential, it speeds up the rooting process.
Plant the cutting in damp potting soil, burying the two lowest leaf nodes.
Step 5:Water the pot well and allow it to drain thoroughly.
Then, cover it with clear plastic, such as a plastic bag.
Add stakes if needed to prevent the plastic from touching the cutting.
Place the cutting in anindirect light locationindoorsnot in direct sunlight.
Do not water again unless the top of the soil is dry.
Expect roots to form in two to three weeks.
If there is resistance when you gently tug on the plant, it has produced new roots.
Remove the plastic cover and allow the plant to continue expanding its new root system.
Repot as needed,planting the new hydrangeain a larger container or transplanting it into the landscape.
Propagating Hydrangeas by Ground Layering
All hydrangeas can be propagated by ground layering.
Plants with long, flexible stems are easiest to ground layer.
Spring or early summer is the best time to propagate using this method.
Remove the leaves in this 5- to 6-inch-long section.
Removing the leaves exposes the leaf nodes.
New roots will form at the leaf nodes.
Be careful not to disturb the leaf nodes.
Step 4:Dig a 2-inch-deep trench about 6 inches long.
Place the prepared portion of the hydrangea stem in the trench and cover it with soil.
Place a heavy stone or brick on top of the buried branch to keep it in place.
Step 5:Keep the buried portion damp and disturb it as little as possible.
Two to three weeks after burying the branch, check for new roots.
Remove the stone or brick and gently move away soil in the trench.
If you dont see new roots, gently tug on the branch.
If it offers resistance, new roots have formed.
Water gently and regularly until a robust new root system forms.
Clip the rooted plant from the parent plant andpot the new hydrangea in a containeror the garden.
Dont worry; division wont harm the parent hydrangea.
Press the spade straight down, digging deep enough to get as much of the root system as possible.
Each section needs both leaves and roots to grow.
Step 2:Replant the new section promptly so the roots dont dry out.
Plant it at the same depth it was before in similar light and soil conditions.
Step 3:Water the division andcover the surrounding soil with mulchto conserve moisture until the plant becomes established.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time of year to propagate hydrangea is spring through summer.
Don’t attempt to propagate the hard, woody branches in fall or winter.
While many otherplant cuttings can root in water, hydrangea is not one of them.
Cuttings will only form roots in soil.
Take cuttings in the early morning, if possible, when the stems are holding onto the most water.
