Propagate hydrangeas using cuttings

Propagate hydrangeas by cuttings

All hydrangea species can be propagated with cuttings without any problems. You only need for offspring:

• special potting soil
• small planters, yoghurt pots or vegetable bowls are well suited
• Root activator from the garden trade.

Follow these steps:

In spring or early summer, cut young shoots without buds or flowers and divide them into short pieces, each with one or two pairs of leaves. Reduce the evaporation area of ​​the leaves by cutting them in half with a sharp knife.

Dip the underside of the offshoot into the root activator or carefully sprinkle the planting hole with activator. Cuttings insert into the earth and press down. Pour the seedling on and put a transparent plastic bag over the pot, which you secure with a rubber ring. This creates a warm, humid greenhouse climate that stimulates growth. Don't forget to ventilate daily to avoid mold growth.

Now a little patience is required

Place the growing pots in a shady place in the house or on the terrace, as the cuttings are very sensitive to direct sunlight. After just 14 days, the small offshoots sprout the first root fibers. As soon as the hydrangea offspring are well rooted, you can separate them. It is better for the little plants to spend the first winter in the house. In the following spring you can then use the small hydrangeas in the garden plant out.

Cut off the side shoots

Propagation is even faster if you already have a large hydrangea in the garden. Some types of hydrangea have side shoots that you can cut off and transplant to another location. These offshoots take root without any problems and quickly develop into magnificent plants.

Tips & Tricks

A natural substitute for Rooting powder is willow water that you can make yourself. To do this, cut young willow shoots into pieces about two centimeters long and pour boiling hot water over them. Let it steep for 24 hours and drain.