Please Forgive a Newbie Question - Propagating

last month

last modified: last month

I absolutely love hydrangeas and have 4 of them. I'd like to propagate them.

I've watched videos and read about how to do so, and there are so many "do this, don't do this" conflicting positions.

I'm pretty sure that I understand where to take a cutting from. But some people say just root in water, some say crush the stem or lightly peel the stem, some say put the stem in rooting powder and plant it in seedling soil, some say put a baggie over it to maintain humidy while others say not to do that as the plant will rot.

Right now I have an oak leaf paniculae which is out of control and spreading on its own (and it's far from my favorite), a mop-head, and two Endless Summer.

I'm sorry for my simple question but would really love your input. Thank you!

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Comments (2)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
last month
last modified: last month
I have a friend who loves hydrangeas, has a big collection of different varieties and does lots of cuttings to share with friends, her garden club and plant sales. Many of my own collection came from her cuttings and I've followed the same procedures to propagate mine. This is how she does it:
- Take softwood cuttings (current season's growth) April - July about 4-6 inches long. Take cuttings right below a growth node.
- Remove excess foliage to reduce transpiration, leaving only the top pair of leaves.
- Insert into a small pot of well draining potting soil.
- Keep evenly moist (not wet) and in bright but indirect light.
No bags, no misting, no rooting hormone. Cuttings should root in 6-8 weeks and are ready to be planted out next spring. Simple, easy to do and with a high percentage of success.

You can also do hardwood cuttings taken in late winter and with a similar degree of success.
Suzieque thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
Suzieque
Original Author
last month
Thank you, Gardengal.
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