Hydrangeas are such beautiful flowers but their price tag leaves a lot to be desired so today we are going to show you how to propagate hydrangea from an existing plant.
We have so many varieties and colors in our garden from mop head, panicle and lace cap, to climbing and oakleaf hydrangeas. Each one is unique in shape and color and creates a magnificent canvass in your yard.
How To Propagate Hydrangea
Propagating hydrangeas is so easy! There are two methods you can use, the first is taking cuttings, the second is ground layering. We’re going to talk about both so you can pick a method that works best for you.
Rooting Hydrangea Cuttings
Step 1: Select a green stem and take a 5-6″ cutting from an established hydrangea (most experts say to cut from a branch that did not flower this year). Use a sharp pair of sterilized sheers to make the cut.
Step 2: Remove all but the top two leaves that emerge from the top of the stem. Don’t cut the main stem, if you do discard and try again. Cut the top two leaves to half of their original size.
Step 3: Dip into a rooting compound, and insert into a pot or seed starting pack of damp seed starting soil. You can also use another uncontaminated medium.
Step 4: Water the cuttings and allow the soil to drain, you want the soil to stay moist but not soggy.
Step 5: Water only when the soil becomes dry. Keep in a bright shady place, you don’t want them to ever be in the sun with the plastic on or they will burn.
When To Repot Hydrangea
You will have roots on your cutting within a month and can transfer them to the garden once the roots are established.
How To Ground Layer Hydrangea To Propagate
The second method of propagating hydrangea is just as easy, the only difference is that you don’t need to take clippings.
Step 1: Select a branch close to the ground and remove all of the leaves for about a 5-6″ area where the branch will touch the ground. Make sure at least one leaf node will be underground.
Step 2: Scrape a bit of the bark from the bottom of the limb but do not cut the branch from the mother plant.
Step 3: Dig a small trench about 2″ deep under the limb. Lower the branch into the trench and cover with soil. Place a rock over it to hold the branch in the ground. Water occasionally, just enough to keep the ground moist.
Step 4: When roots form cut away from the mother plant, and plant in the garden or in a pot.
Where To Plant Hydrangea
Hydrangeas like to be planted in moist soil, with filtered light, to partially sunny. If you live in cooler climates they can stand more sun but during our hot southern summers, they need partially sunny conditions to filtered light. Keep in mind that these plants will get big.
Check out our Amazon Store Front for all the tools and equipment you’ll need to propagate hydrangea.
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