I grow Annabelle Hydrangea, and propagating a small cutting to grow a new bush is a relatively easy and straight forward process which would work for any type of hydrangea. What a great savings, considering hydrangea plants can be quite expensive in garden centers!
- First, cut a branch about 12″ long. For best success, the cutting should be new growth, not an older branch which has already bloomed.
- Tear off the bottom 4 to 6 leaves. This is where the new roots will form. (Rooting hormone is not necessary).
- Now place the stems in a container of water for up to 24 hours, making sure the area where the leaves were removed is covered.
- For each cutting, prepare a pot of soil large enough to cover the root area. A mixture of half potting soil and vermiculite may used; I used fully composted hay. (Find vermiculite here).
- Poke the stem of each cutting into a pot of soil, being sure to cover the area which will form roots, and press the soil down around the cutting.
- Keep the soil moist, but not water-logged until roots are formed. This should take 2 – 3 weeks. You can gently tug on the cutting; if there is resistance, then roots are holding the branch in place.
- The cuttings should be kept in a shady spot until roots are formed. Then slowly acclimate the new plants to a little more sun each day.
- After the plant is fully acclimated, it may be transplanted to your landscape.
Do you grow hydrangea? Have you ever tried rooting a cutting?
