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 propagated tons of hydrangeas over the years using this method, and it works every time.
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 and the good news is this method of how to propagate hydrangeas works on all types of hydrangeas.
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How To Propagate Hydrangea
How to propagate hydrangeas is so easy! There are two methods you can use, both of these will work so the choice is up to you. The first option when it comes to how to propagate hydrangeas is taking cuttings, the second is ground layering. We’re going to talk about both in this article so you can pick a method that works best for you.
Can Hydrangeas Be Grown From Cuttings?
Yes! Hydrangeas can absolutely be grown from cuttings taken from a plant. And it’s super easy:
Propagating Hydrangeas From Cuttings
How To Propagate Hydrangea 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.
How To Propagate Hydrangea Step 3: Dip into a rooting compound, and insert it 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 Take Hydrangea Cuttings
Hydrangea cuttings tend to be rather slow rooting and can be hard to keep alive over the winter. Try taking your cuttings in early July to make sure they have plenty of time to get established.
When To Repot Hydrangea
Your propagated hydrangeas will be ready to repot once they have roots. They should have roots on your cutting within a month, you can then transfer them to the garden once the roots are established.
How To Ground Layer Hydrangea To Propagate
The second method you can use when it comes to how to propagate 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.
How To Propagate Hydrangeas 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.
How To Propagate Hydrangeas Step 4: When roots form cut away from the mother plant, and plant in the garden or in a pot.
Where To Plant Hydrangea Your Propagated Hydrangeas
Now that you know how to propagate your hydrangeas, where do you plant them that they will thrive? 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.
Before you go, check these out!
- How To Deadhead Roses
- How To Start A Flower Garden
- Our Raised Bed Garden
- 29 Of The Best Spring Gardening Essentials Every Gardener Needs
