How to Propagate Hydrangeas From Cuttings?

Hydrangeas are commercial flowering shrubs that don’t grow to their true type if grown from seeds. You can quickly multiply your favourite bush variety by propagating hydrangeas from cuttings.

In simple words, you can grow replicas of your best hydrangea variety in the backyard with propagation techniques.

Apart from being inexpensive, you’ll learn a new skill of propagating plants from cuttings.

You need a cutting, some time and patience to see another blooming hydrangea in your backyard.

Take hydrangea cutting from a hydrangea plant with no blooms. Remove leaves at the bottom of the cutting so new roots can develop.

To promote rooting, dip the stem cut in the rooting hormone. Then, plant the cutting in a seed-starting potting mix and keep the stem well hydrated.

Wait for new foliage and transplant it to a larger container when the plant turns into a worthy garden plant.

When to Propagate Hydrangeas?

For a successful propagation, choosing an active growing season of hydrangeas is recommended.

Typically, late spring and early summer are the periods when the hydrangea plant is actively growing, making it easier for the cutting to develop roots.

Specifically, late June to early July is ideal because the new growth is still tender but firm enough to root quickly.

It is essential to avoid propagating hydrangeas in extreme temperatures. Hot weather can stress the cuttings, and cold weather can hinder root development.

Moreover, don’t propagate this flowering shrub when it is blooming, as the cutting will focus on sustaining the flowers rather than developing roots.

Check this: 11 Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Hydrangeas

How to Propagate Hydrangeas from Cuttings?

Now that we’ve established the best time to propagate hydrangeas let’s explore the step-by-step process of propagating them from cuttings.

1. Choosing and Trimming the Cutting

Choosing a healthy stem is the crucial first step in propagating hydrangeas.

The stem cutting should be neither too old and woody nor too young and tender.

The ideal cutting should come from new growth that hasn’t bloomed yet and is about 4-6 inches long. Look for a green, flexible stem that bends slightly but doesn’t snap.

This new growth is more likely to root successfully than older, woody stems.

Once you’ve identified the right stem, use sharp, clean pruning shears to cut just below a node (the point where a leaf joins the stem).

Ensure the cutting is 4-6 inches long and includes at least two leaf nodes.

Cutting just below the node is important because this area contains the most concentrated plant hormones, which encourage root development.

Also Read: How to Prune Every Type of Hydrangea for a Burst of Growth and Color?

2. Remove Lower Leaves

After you’ve cut the stem, remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only two or three pairs of leaves at the top.

Removing the lower leaves prevents the cutting from losing too much moisture while it develops roots.

Additionally, stripping the lower leaves ensures that no foliage is buried under the soil, which could lead to rot.

If the remaining leaves at the top are large, you can trim them by cutting them horizontally in half. This reduces moisture loss through transpiration and helps cut down on energy conservation.

3. Dip in Rooting Hormone

To encourage faster root development, dip the cut end of the hydrangea stem into rooting hormone powder or gel.

Rooting hormone contains auxins, naturally occurring plant hormones that stimulate root growth.

While it’s not necessary, using rooting hormone can significantly increase the chances of success, especially for novice gardeners.

Dip the end of the stem into the rooting hormone, tapping off any excess powder. Be sure the entire cut surface is coated evenly. This step helps accelerate the rooting process and gives your cutting a stronger start.

Also Read: How to Change Hydrangea Colours?

4. Insert the Hydrangea Cutting in Potting Mix

Now, it’s time to plant the cutting in the soil. Choose a well-draining potting mix, ideally rich in organic matter.

You can use a seed-starting mix or a blend of perlite and peat moss, providing the moisture and aeration necessary for root development.

Fill a small pot with the potting mix and create a hole in the centre using your finger or a pencil.

Gently insert the cutting into the hole, ensuring at least one node is buried below the soil surface. Press the soil gently around the stem to secure the cutting in place.

Be careful not to pack the soil too tightly, as the roots need space to develop.

5. Allow the Cutting to Develop Roots

Once the cutting is planted, place the pot in a warm, bright location, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the young plant.

Hydrangea cuttings need bright, indirect light to grow, so a north or east-facing window is ideal.

To maintain high humidity, you can also create a mini greenhouse effect by covering the pot with a plastic bag or a clear plastic dome. This step helps prevent the cutting from drying out as it forms roots.

It’s crucial to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Mist the cutting occasionally to maintain humidity, but ensure excess water can drain from the pot. Within 3-4 weeks, the cutting should begin developing roots.

You can check for root development by gently tugging on the stem—if there is resistance, roots have formed.

6. Transplant the Fully Grown Hydrangea Plant

how often to water hydrangeas

After the cutting has developed a healthy root system, it’s time to transplant it into a larger container or directly into your garden.

Wait until the roots are at least 1-2 inches long and the plant shows signs of new growth. This typically takes around 6-8 weeks.

To transplant, gently remove the cutting from the pot, carefully not damaging the delicate roots.

Choose a sunny or partially shaded location with well-draining soil.

Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball and place the plant in it, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.

Water the plant thoroughly and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

How to Care for Hydrangea Cuttings?

It is important to give your hydrangea cutting the proper care in the early stages if you want it to grow into a full, healthy plant.

  • Water the cuttings regularly to keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot.
  • Humidity is also essential—mist the cuttings or keep them in a high-humidity environment to prevent them from drying out.
  • Once the cuttings have rooted and been transplanted, could you continue to monitor their water needs?
  • Hydrangeas require regular watering, especially during their first year of growth.
  • Fertilize the plants lightly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
  • Look for pests like aphids or spider mites and address any issues promptly to protect your young plants.

Additionally, protect the new plants from harsh weather conditions like frost or extreme heat, which can damage them while they’re still establishing their root systems.

In cold climates, consider covering the young plants with a frost cloth during chilly nights to give them the best chance of survival.

Also Read: 27 Best Fall Flowering Plants to Beautify Autumn Garden

Conclusion

If you are dedicated to providing proper care, propagating hydrangeas from cuttings can be rewarding.

Apart from being the inexpensive way to double flowering shrubs in your garden, it allows you to learn new skills.

Gardening is enjoyable because you learn from your mistakes and grow through experience.

With the right timing and care, even beginner gardeners can successfully root hydrangea cuttings and transplant them into their gardens.

By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying beautiful hydrangeas throughout your landscape for years to come.

Whether you’re propagating to fill your garden with more stunning blooms or to share these beloved plants with friends and family, growing hydrangeas from cuttings is a fun and fulfilling way to increase your plant collection.

Proper care and patience will soon transform your cutting into thriving, beautiful hydrangea plants.