Propagating Hydrangeas

Since hydrangeas rarely produce seeds, how can the home gardener propagate these showy and spectacularly blooming bushes? Just follow these few simple and straightforward steps.

Step #1: Cut Hydrangeas For Rooting

Healthy hydrangea bushes make for the best cuttings. Be sure to cut new growth (green stems) at least 2 inches below a pair of leaf nodes. Early morning is the best time to take the cuttings. If not rooting immediately, refrigerate the cuttings overnight.

Step #2: Prepare The Rooting Media

Hydrangeas are known to root fairly quickly in different soil conditions, but to ensure the best and quickest propagation, use 1 part peat or potting soil and 1 part fine grade perlite, vermiculite or sand. Sand (mason’s grade or screened) is preferred to perlite due to its excellent drainage.

Mix perlite (or sand) and peat thoroughly together. Fill several small pots or propagation tray to the top. Soak tray or pots in a water-filled sink for at least 30 minutes, gently spraying the surface with water occasionally.

Alternatively, wet the mixture before potting.

Step #3: Trim Hydrangeas

Using scissors or sharp and clean pruning shears, trim the hydrangea cuttings. Leave about 2 inches per leaf. Cut perpendicular to the leaf veins. If leaf pairs are very small, cut in half across the leaf’s long axis.

Step #4: Cut Hydrangea Stems

To fit into the propagation tray or pot, cut stems to include at least 1 leaf node or terminal bud per cutting. A leaf node is the diamond-size spot above where the hydrangea leaves attach to the stem. This terminal bud, also called apical bud, is the stem’s actively growing part and will become next year’s flower.

Cut above the first set of nodes from the stem’s bottom, leaving 1 to 2 inches below the leaves to stick into the rooting media.

Step #5: Rooting Hydrangeas

Use rooting hormone (available at garden centers) to encourage the new hydrangea cuttings to grow. There are liquid and powder rooting hormone products available, including Dip’n Grow and Take Root. If using liquid, take a bunch of leaves and plunge the stems into the liquid rooting hormone for a count of five, then stick in the center of the propagation try or pit up to the base of the leaves.

Note: Rooting in a cup is another method of propagating hydrangeas. Use a styrofoam cup and add the rooting mixture, apply the growth hormone and plant.

Try not to allow leaves to touch each other in the trays, or they may rot.

Step #6: Misting

After potting, use a spray bottle to thoroughly mist the cuttings. Don’t over water, but do mist sufficiently to wet thoroughly. Then spray mist 3 times a day the first week unless in full sun – when more misting is required. Never let plant dry out or wilt too much between watering and avoid misting in late evening.

Newly propagated hydrangeas will mature in about 6 weeks. Best time to plant them is in early fall.