How to make cuttings from hydrangea?

Hydrangea is a shrub prized for its large pompom-shaped inflorescences that bring colour and texture to gardens. Hydrangeas are very easy to multiply, as they root readily. Hydrangea propagation by cuttings will allow you to obtain new young plants while preserving all characteristics of the original variety. Here is how to propagate hydrangeas in water or in soil, and which equipment to use!

When to propagate hydrangeas by cuttings?

The ideal time to propagate hydrangeas by cuttings is late summer, when plant growth has slowed and stems are still flexible but sufficiently mature. This corresponds to the period between August and September.

How to propagate a hydrangea by cuttings?

Here are the steps to succeed in hydrangea propagation by cuttings in soil:

Choose a healthy, vigorous semi-lignified stem from the current year: it should be lignified at the base but still soft and green at the tip. Prefer a non-flowering stem.
With a clean, sharp pruning shear, cut a stem segment 15–20 cm long, just below a node (where a leaf joins the stem). Make a clean, angled cut to increase rooting surface.
Remove leaves from the lower third of the hydrangea cutting. Keep only 2 or 3 leaves at the top, halving them to limit evaporation and encourage rooting. Also remove any flowers from the stem so the cutting can concentrate energy on root formation rather than flowering.
Prepare a pot filled with a light substrate, for example compost for sowing and propagation by cuttings, or a mix of compost and sand.
Optionally dip the base of the stem in plant hormone for cuttings. This will encourage root production.
Make a hole using a pencil or small stick, and place the hydrangea cutting. It should be inserted 1–2 cm deep. Firm soil gently around cutting.

We recommend placing a clear plastic bag over the cutting or using a mini greenhouse to retain humidity and create an environment favourable to rooting. Ensure plastic does not touch leaves.
Place pot in a bright spot, sheltered from direct sunlight to avoid leaf scorch. Ideal temperature is between 15 and 20°C.
Water the cutting regularly to keep substrate moist but not waterlogged. Allow excess water to drain to avoid root rot.
After 4 to 6 weeks, gently lift plastic and check for new roots by pulling gently on the cutting. If it resists, rooting is underway.
When cutting is well rooted, transplant into a larger pot with quality compost and keep under cover for winter. Plant out in ground in spring.

Propagating hydrangeas in water

Another easy method for making a hydrangea cutting: place hydrangea cuttings in water to multiply the bush with minimal effort.