Hydrangeas are one of the most popular garden shrubs in the UK, admired for their lush foliage and large, showy blooms that range in colour from soft pastels to vibrant pinks and blues. Their beauty and versatility make them a common feature in gardens, but many people do not realise that hydrangeas are also surprisingly easy to propagate. Taking cuttings is one of the most effective ways to create new plants, allowing you to fill your garden with more of these beloved shrubs or share them with friends. Learning how to take a cutting from a hydrangea plant ensures you can expand your collection without the expense of buying new plants.
Why take cuttings from hydrangeas
Propagation by cuttings has many benefits. It is cost effective, as one healthy hydrangea can provide multiple cuttings that will grow into full plants. It also allows you to preserve the characteristics of a particular variety, since cuttings produce exact clones of the parent plant. Seeds, on the other hand, may not grow true to type. Taking cuttings also gives you control over the timing and conditions of propagation, making it possible to raise new plants at home rather than relying on nurseries.
When to take hydrangea cuttings
The best time to take hydrangea cuttings is during the summer months, particularly late June through August, when stems are semi ripe. At this stage, they are firm enough to handle but still flexible and full of energy for rooting. Softwood cuttings taken earlier in the season can also root successfully, though they are more delicate. Hardwood cuttings, taken in autumn or winter, are another option but usually take longer to establish. For most gardeners, semi ripe summer cuttings are the easiest and most reliable choice.
Choosing the right stems for cuttings
Selecting the right stem is essential for success. Look for a non flowering shoot, as these put their energy into rooting rather than producing blooms. The stem should be healthy, green and free from pests or disease. Aim for a length of around ten to fifteen centimetres, with at least two pairs of leaves. Avoid stems that are too woody or too soft, as these may struggle to root. Taking cuttings early in the day, when the plant is well hydrated, increases the chances of success.
Preparing hydrangea cuttings
Once you have selected a stem, use a clean, sharp knife or secateurs to cut it just below a leaf node. This is the point where leaves join the stem and is where new roots are most likely to develop. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving one or two pairs at the top. If the remaining leaves are large, cutting them in half reduces water loss while the cutting is establishing. Some gardeners dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone powder to encourage quicker root growth, though hydrangeas often root well without it.
Planting cuttings in compost
Fill a small pot with a well draining compost mix. A combination of multipurpose compost and perlite or sand works well, as it retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Make a hole in the compost with a pencil or dibber and insert the cutting so that the lower node is buried. Firm the compost gently around the base to hold it in place. Several cuttings can be placed in the same pot, provided they are spaced far enough apart to avoid crowding. Water the compost lightly to settle it around the cutting.
Creating the right environment for rooting
Cuttings need a humid environment to prevent them from drying out while roots form. Covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or placing it in a propagator helps maintain moisture. Ensure the bag does not touch the leaves, as this can cause rotting. Place the pot in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight. Too much heat or strong light can stress the cuttings, while low light slows rooting. Maintaining a stable, moist but not soggy environment is the key to success.
Caring for hydrangea cuttings
During the rooting period, which usually takes four to six weeks, check the cuttings regularly. Keep the compost evenly moist but avoid overwatering, as this can cause rotting. Remove any cuttings that show signs of disease or decay to protect the others. Ventilating the covering for short periods each day reduces the risk of mould and fungal issues. When new leaves begin to grow and gentle tugging shows resistance, it is a sign that roots have developed.
Potting on rooted cuttings
Once the cuttings have formed strong roots, they can be potted individually into small pots of fresh compost. Handle them carefully to avoid damaging delicate roots. Continue growing them in a sheltered position, such as a cold frame or indoors near a bright window. Gradually acclimatise the young plants to outdoor conditions before planting them in the garden. It is often best to grow them on in pots through their first winter and plant them out the following spring once they are stronger.
Hardwood cuttings as an alternative
If you miss the summer window, hardwood cuttings taken in autumn or winter can also produce new plants. These are prepared by cutting mature stems around twenty centimetres long, removing the top soft growth and planting them in a trench outdoors or in pots of gritty compost. They take longer to root but can be a reliable method of propagation, particularly for those with patience and space.
Common mistakes to avoid
Several mistakes can hinder success when taking hydrangea cuttings. Using weak or diseased stems reduces the likelihood of rooting. Allowing cuttings to dry out is one of the most common causes of failure, as they have no roots to take up water. Planting cuttings too deeply or leaving too many leaves attached increases stress. Overwatering is another frequent issue, leading to fungal problems. By selecting healthy stems, preparing them carefully and providing the right conditions, most of these pitfalls can be avoided.
Benefits of propagating hydrangeas at home
Growing hydrangeas from cuttings is not only cost effective but also deeply satisfying. Watching a small cutting develop into a mature shrub is rewarding and helps gardeners connect more closely with their plants. It also allows you to preserve a cherished plant, perhaps passed down through family or admired in your own garden. Propagation can even be a way of sharing plants with friends, neighbours and community gardens, spreading the beauty of hydrangeas further.
Conclusion
So, how do you take a cutting from a hydrangea plant? It begins with selecting the right stem, preparing it carefully and planting it in a well-draining compost mix. By providing the correct balance of moisture, warmth and light, you encourage roots to form within a few weeks. Once established, the cuttings can be grown on into strong young plants ready to fill your garden with colour. With practice and patience, taking cuttings becomes an enjoyable and successful method of propagation that ensures hydrangeas continue to thrive in gardens for generations.
