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.

Thank you, Gardengal.