How to Take Hydrangea Cuttings: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Hydrangeas are beautiful, flowering shrubs that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. But did you know that you can easily propagate hydrangeas from cuttings? It’s a great way to get new plants for free and share your favorites with friends and family.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to take hydrangea cuttings. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right time of year to take cuttings to caring for your new plants.
The Best Time to Take Hydrangea Cuttings
The best time to take hydrangea cuttings is in late summer, when the stems are semi-ripe. This means that they are from the current season’s growth but are old enough to have a woody base. The woody base will help to prevent the cuttings from rotting when you insert them into the soil.
Choosing Healthy Hydrangea Shoots
When selecting hydrangea shoots for cuttings, choose healthy, non-flowering shoots that are 10-15 cm long. They should have at least two sets of leaves below the top set of leaves.
Trimming Hydrangea Cuttings
To trim hydrangea cuttings, use a sharp knife or secateurs to make a clean cut below a node. A node is the point on the stem where a leaf or bud is attached.
Once you have made the cut, remove the lower set of leaves from the cutting. This will help to reduce water loss and stress on the cutting.
Cutting Hydrangea Leaves in Half
To further reduce water loss and stress, you can cut each hydrangea leaf in half. This will help the cutting to focus its energy on rooting.
Inserting Hydrangea Cuttings into Soil
Fill a small pot with gritty propagation compost. Make a hole in the compost and insert the cutting, firming the soil around it.
Water the cutting well and place it in a propagator to retain moisture. Keep the propagator in a warm, bright place.
Caring for Your Hydrangea Cuttings
Your hydrangea cuttings will typically root within six weeks. Once they have rooted, you can remove them from the propagator and pot them up into individual pots.
Continue to water and fertilize your hydrangea cuttings regularly. They should be ready to plant in the garden in the spring.
Tips for Success
- Use sharp tools to make clean cuts.
- Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings to reduce water loss.
- Cut each leaf in half to further reduce stress.
- Insert the cuttings into gritty compost to prevent rotting.
- Keep the cuttings in a warm, bright place.
- Be patient! It can take several weeks for hydrangea cuttings to root.
With a little care and patience, you can easily propagate hydrangeas from cuttings. It’s a great way to get new plants for free and share your favorites with others.
