Hydrangea branch rooted?

11 years ago

Hi there. I was out in the garden cleaning up and had noticed that my ES hydrangea I planted last summer was sprouting leaves a few inches above the soil line (it had basically died back to the ground like I expected it would) and so I was cleaning up around the hydrangea and I went to pick up what I assumed was a branch that had broken off, only to find it was rooted and had a leaf sprouting..

Is this possible or is it something else entirely? I could be mistaken. This is an old garden bed but I cleared everything out except for two hostas when I planted the hydrangea.

I dug it up and brought it inside and put it under my grow lights. I tried to get a photo of the leaf but it's rather blurry, my cellphone doesn't take the greatest pictures.

Featured Answer

hokierustywilliamsbu

11 years ago

I have had branches and stems root for me all the time esp. when I was not trying!

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Comments (11)

AlexUnder
11 years ago
It happened to me a year ago, but it did not survive winter in Toronto - not sure whether it was squirrel digging damage that killed it or my poor choice of potting soil.... Probably something on sandy side would have work better.
Michaela (Zone 5b - Iowa) thanked AlexUnder
Michaela (Zone 5b - Iowa)
Original Author
11 years ago
Hi Alex. Thanks for letting me know, bummer that it didn't survive!

I am quite surprised this made it through our winter. I keep doubting that it's really a hydrangea but I compared the leaf to the hydrangea it was next to this evening and they are the same. Hopefully I can get it established before winter!
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luis_pr
11 years ago
Most people take a branch and put it down in contact with the soil and add a heavy object to keep it there. Then separate them when the child looks bigger and has a larger root system. Right now, the leaves are unclear so it is hard to confirm it is a hydrangea from the photo but, since it happens, good luck and enjoy!!!
Michaela (Zone 5b - Iowa) thanked luis_pr
Michaela (Zone 5b - Iowa)
Original Author
11 years ago
When it leafs out more I will see if I can get a better photo!
BloomCin Zone 6b North Jersey
11 years ago
The photo looks blurry but I do think you got a new baby hydrangea. At least for me hydrangeas cuttings are very easy to root.
Michaela (Zone 5b - Iowa) thanked BloomCin Zone 6b North Jersey
Michaela (Zone 5b - Iowa)
Original Author
11 years ago
I hope so! I love my ES hydrangea, especially after it survived our cold winter with very little protection!
Michaela (Zone 5b - Iowa)
Original Author
11 years ago
Got a slightly better photo of the one leaf it has... ha.
Michaela (Zone 5b - Iowa)
Original Author
11 years ago
Pretty cool! I hope I can keep it alive!
ophoenix
11 years ago
Looks like you have a good start for a new hydrangea. I would cut off the branches above the leaves - leave at least one inch stub and plant the branch with roots in a pot. Plant the rooted piece with the soil half way up the branch between the new roots and the leaves. This will also root and give the cutting a very good start and support the new growth. Be sure to make a hole for the roots - don't just push it into the soil. Don't over water and if you use new potting soil I would not fertilize for a couple of months if at all. Keep it in a protected place - like a garage and if possible close to a window. Good Luck! Keep us posted on the progress.
Michaela (Zone 5b - Iowa) thanked ophoenix
Michaela (Zone 5b - Iowa)
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks phoenix, it is potted up inside under grow lights, once it's bigger I will plant it in the garden with some protection around it!