Now is the “perfect time” to take hydrangea cuttings, which is a quick and easy gardening job that will multiply the amount of flowers in your garden.
Hydrangeas are adored for their lush, pom-pom-like clusters that add a burst of color and texture to any garden, often evoking a sense of nostalgia. However, purchasing these plants from nurseries can be quite costly, with well-established hydrangeas in 1-gallon or 2-gallon pots typically priced between $30 and $60. Luckily, propagating hydrangeas is an easy and cost-effective way to get more of these lovely plants without breaking the bank. In fact, they can be one of the easier plants to propagate by stem cuttings because they root easily.
And it’s easier than you might think, all it takes is a cutting or two from your favorite hydrangea, or maybe even a friend’s plant if they’re feeling generous. With a little patience and care, you’ll have a garden bursting with vibrant flowers in shades of pink, white, red, purple, and blue.
What is the best time of year to take hydrangea cuttings?
The best time to take hydrangea cuttings is in late summer, ideally between August and September. At this time, the plant’s growth starts to slow, and the stems are still soft but mature enough to root successfully. Look for the newest, green, and tender growth, as it’s ideal for propagation. Waiting until fall means the stems might harden, making it harder for them to root because the cells become more rigid.
While late summer is optimal, you can also take cuttings in the spring from young, green stems. However, the success rate tends to be lower compared to cuttings from semi-woody stems taken later in the season.
It’s also important to take cuttings in the early morning when the weather is cooler and the plants are well-hydrated. This helps prevent heat stress and keeps the cuttings in prime condition for rooting.
Propagating hydrangeas by cuttings: 6 simple steps to success
Selecting the Right Stem for Cuttings
Select a healthy, vigorous stem from this year’s growth that is semi-woody, meaning it should be woody at the base but still tender and green at the tip. It’s best to choose a non-flowering stem to ensure the plant focuses its energy on rooting.
With clean, sharp pruning shears, cut a 4- to 8-inch segment of the stem just below a node, where a leaf meets the stem. Some gardeners prefer shorter cuttings, but 6 inches tends to give better results. Make a clean, angled cut to provide more surface area for rooting.
Prune shoots and shorten leaves
Start by removing the leaves from the bottom third of the cutting. Each cutting should have at least two pairs of nodes, but there can be three or four, especially if the internodes (the spaces between the nodes) are very short. Keep only 2 or 3 leaves at the top of the cutting, making sure to leave a small space between the main stem and the leaf cut to maintain the stem’s integrity.
If the cutting has any flowers, remove them to ensure the plant focuses its energy on rooting rather than flowering.
Halve the remaining leaves
Trim larger remaining leaves in half to further minimize water loss. This keeps the cuttings hydrated and healthy.
Dip the Stem Into Rooting Powder
Next, prepare your rooting hormone. Sprinkle a small amount on a paper plate or plastic piece. Dip the wet cuttings into the hormone to promote faster root development.
Plant the Cutting
To get started, fill a pot with a light substrate. For the medium, I recommend using perlite, vermiculite, or a combination of both. These materials help retain moisture while ensuring good drainage, which is essential for developing roots. You can also use a mix of soil and sand, but avoid potting soil with fertilizers as they can be too harsh for new roots.
Once your container is filled with your chosen medium, make a small hole using a pencil or a stick, and then transplant the cutting into the hole. It should be buried about 1 to 2 cm deep. Lightly press down the substrate around the cutting to secure it in place.
To create a humid environment that’s perfect for rooting, cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or use a mini greenhouse. Make sure the plastic doesn’t touch the leaves to prevent any mold growth. Place the pot in a bright location, but keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid burning the leaves. The ideal temperature range for rooting is between 15 and 20°C (59-68°F).
Water the cutting regularly to keep the substrate moist, but be careful not to overwater. Excess water should be able to drain away to prevent root rot, ensuring your cutting has the best chance to develop strong, healthy roots.
Repot or Transplant as Needed
After 4-6 weeks, carefully lift the plastic covering and check for new roots by gently tugging on the cutting. If you feel resistance, it means the cutting is starting to root. Once you notice signs of new top growth and feel a firm resistance when gently pulling the cutting, it’s a good indication that strong roots have developed.
At this point, you can transplant the rooted cuttings into pots filled with potting soil to allow them to grow stronger. It’s important to let them establish in these pots before moving them to their permanent spot in your garden.
By the following spring, your new hydrangeas should be well-established and ready to produce beautiful blooms, adding vibrant color to your garden.
