Hydrangeas are one of the easiest perennial shrubs to propagate. It’s easy to propagate hydrangeas by taking stem cuttings. Below, I will show you how easy it is to propagate hydrangeas and I will take you through, step by step, how to propagate hydrangeas. I also have a video that you can watch to learn how to propagate hydrangeas.
How to Easily Propagate Hydrangeas
Step 1: Get a Stem Cutting
If you see a hydrangea shrub that you like in your garden or your friend’s garden, you can easily take stem cuttings. The nice thing about propagating hydrangeas is that you can take a stem cutting from any hydrangea shrub at any stage of maturity. You can even take cuttings from a hydrangea floral arrangement! It’s that easy! It also doesn’t matter when you take the stem cutting- spring or summer.
Cut at least a 4-inch stem cutting from any hydrangea shrub. Cut below the node.
Step 2: Remove the Leaves
Use gardening scissors to remove the leaves of the stem cutting. This is so the hydrangea stem cutting can focus its energy on producing roots rather than the leaves.
Step 3: Rooting Hormone
Dip the ends of the hydrangea stem into rooting hormones. I like to use this rooting hormone but you can use any rooting hormone.
Step 4: Plant the Stem Cutting
Soak up a pot of potting mix with water. After dipping the hydrangea stem into the rooting hormone, plant the hydrangea stem cutting into the pot. Poke a hole in the soil with your finger and insert the stem cutting.
Step 5: Wait for your Hydrangeas to Develop Roots
Keep the pot of hydrangea stem cuttings outdoors and in the shade. It will take 4-5 weeks to develop roots.
You can check for roots by gently tugging on the hydrangea stem cuttings. If there is resistance, the roots have developed and taken hold.
Here is an example of hydrangeas stem cuttings I planted 3 months ago. Here you will see that the roots have taken hold. There is resistance if I tug it. You can see the hydrangeas are flourishing. Some of the stem cuttings even have flowers!
It’s so easy to propagate hydrangeas!
You May Also be Interested in these Hydrangea Care Tips
Step by Step: How to Easily Propagate Hydrangeas (video)
How to Deadhead Hydrangeas (video)
How to Make Hydrangeas Flower (video)
Beginner’s Guide: How to Care for your Hydrangea (video)
Can I Transplant Hydrangeas in the Summer?
Can I Transplant Hydrangeas in the Winter?
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