How to Propagate Hydrangeas with 3 Easy Techniques

2024-05-23
How to Propagate Hydrangeas with 3 Easy Techniques

Hydrangeas boast big, beautiful flowers that last for months. You can multiply your collection of these hardworking plants by learning how to propagate hydrangeas. These shrubs root readily from stem cuttings, ground layering, or division. This guide will help you choose the right propagation method for you and your types of hydrangea, and make more of these all-star shrubs.

Select a Hydrangea to Propagate

The best hydrangea to propagate is a vigorous, healthy plant. It should be free of pests and diseases. A new plant created from cuttings, layers, or division will have the same characteristics as the parent plant so choose a plant to propagate that has a pleasing growth habit and flower form.

Some hydrangea cultivars are patented. A patented cultivar is protected, and it is illegal to reproduce a patented cultivar by any method. Popular varieties such as ‘Limelight’, ‘Strawberry Sundae’, and ‘Bobo’ are all protected by patents.

Methods for Propagating Hydrangeas

The three main methods for making more hydrangeas are stem cutting, ground layering, and division. Let’s break them down to find which one is the best for you.

1. Stem Cutting

When propagating by stem cuttings, a section of an actively growing stem is cut from the plant in spring or early summer and planted in moist potting soil. In a few weeks, the cutting develops roots, and a new plant grows. Maintaining consistent warmth and humidity around the cutting until it produces new roots is important. Stem cuttings are usually the most prolific method of propagation. One parent plant can provide many stem cuttings.

2. Ground Layering

This easy method is similar to stem cuttings, but the stems are still attached to the main plant to propagate it. You just bend a stem from the parent plant down to the ground, and bury a portion of the stem in a shallow trench. Roots form on the buried portion of the stem, and then the stem can be separated from the parent plant. The amount of space near the parent plant limits ground layering propagation. This simple method is useful when making only a couple of new plants.

3. Division

Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) and oakleaf hydrangea shrubs spread to form colonies instead of growing clumps like many other hydrangeas. Divide smooth and oakleaf hydrangea colonies by using a sharp spade to dig up a portion of the colony and replant it in a new location. Division is the fastest propagation method for smooth and oakleaf hydrangeas.

Propagating Hydrangeas from Stem Cuttings

Mid-spring or early summer is the best time to take hydrangea cuttings. Hydrangea plants are actively growing during this period and are quick to produce new roots. Take cuttings from a healthy hydrangea that is free from pests and disease.

Step 1: Using sharp, sanitized pruners, snip a 5- to 6-inch-long cutting from the tip of a branch that ideally did not flower last year.

Step 2: Remove the two lowest leaves from the cutting. This exposes the leaf nodes, from which new roots will emerge.

Step 3: Cut the remaining leaves on the cutting down to half their size. Reducing the leaf size lessens the pressure on the plant to support the leafy growth. Instead, the plant can push resources toward forming new roots.

Step 4: Dip the cut end of the stem cutting into rooting hormone. Although rooting hormone is not essential, it speeds up the rooting process. Plant the cutting in damp potting soil, burying the two lowest leaf nodes.

Step 5: Water the pot well and allow it to drain thoroughly. Then, cover it with clear plastic, such as a plastic bag. Add stakes if needed to prevent the plastic from touching the cutting. Place the cutting in an indirect light location indoors—not in direct sunlight. Do not water again unless the top of the soil is dry.

Expect roots to form in two to three weeks. If there is resistance when you gently tug on the plant, it has produced new roots. Remove the plastic cover and allow the plant to continue expanding its new root system. Repot as needed, planting the new hydrangea in a larger container or transplanting it into the landscape.

Propagating Hydrangeas by Ground Layering

All hydrangeas can be propagated by ground layering. Plants with long, flexible stems are easiest to ground layer. Spring or early summer is the best time to propagate using this method.

Step 1: Select a long, flexible stem on the outer edge of a healthy, actively growing hydrangea.

Step 2: Gently bend the branch toward the ground so that a 5- to 6-inch-long portion of the branch near the center of the length touches the ground. Remove the leaves in this 5- to 6-inch-long section. Removing the leaves exposes the leaf nodes. New roots will form at the leaf nodes.

Step 3: Use a sharp knife to gently scrape a thin layer of bark off the underside of the branch where the leaves were removed. Be careful not to disturb the leaf nodes.

Step 4: Dig a 2-inch-deep trench about 6 inches long. Place the prepared portion of the hydrangea stem in the trench and cover it with soil. Place a heavy stone or brick on top of the buried branch to keep it in place.

Step 5: Keep the buried portion damp and disturb it as little as possible. Two to three weeks after burying the branch, check for new roots. Remove the stone or brick and gently move away soil in the trench. If you don’t see new roots, gently tug on the branch. If it offers resistance, new roots have formed. Clip the rooted stem from the parent plant and pot the rooted portion in a container or in the garden. Water gently and regularly until a robust new root system forms.

You can also wait until foliage emerges from the soil, indicating new roots have formed. Clip the rooted plant from the parent plant and pot the new hydrangea in a container or the garden.

Propagating Hydrangeas by Division

Many plants can be propagated by division, although chopping up healthy plants can seem scary to new gardeners. Don’t worry; division won’t harm the parent hydrangea.

Step 1: Use a sharp spade to cut a 6-inch or larger section from the edge of an established hydrangea. Press the spade straight down, digging deep enough to get as much of the root system as possible. Each section needs both leaves and roots to grow.

Step 2: Replant the new section promptly so the roots don’t dry out. Plant it at the same depth it was before in similar light and soil conditions.

Step 3: Water the division and cover the surrounding soil with mulch to conserve moisture until the plant becomes established.

Related Article

How to Plant and Grow Vanilla Bean Orchids

How to Plant and Grow Vanilla Bean Orchids

Some orchids do more than flower. Find out how to grow vanilla bean orchids at home and harvest your own vanilla beans.
15 Hardy Types of Agave Plants That Can Handle the Cold

15 Hardy Types of Agave Plants That Can Handle the Cold

Most types of agave plants like it hot, but these hardy agave can take some chilly temperatures too.
How to Plant and Grow Geraniums

How to Plant and Grow Geraniums

A classic garden flower, geraniums have been a gardener's favorite for over a century. They are still popular plants.
Planting a Bradford Pear Tree Might Be a Mistake—Here's Why

Planting a Bradford Pear Tree Might Be a Mistake—Here's Why

You might regret planting a Bradford pear tree because they are considered invasive plants with weak branches and a strong, unpleasant smell.
15 No-Fuss Garden Plans Filled with Plants That Thrive in Full Sun

15 No-Fuss Garden Plans Filled with Plants That Thrive in Full Sun

Create a sunny, low-maintenance backyard oasis with one of our garden plans you can download for free. We have 15 beautiful options to choose from.
Add Easy-Care Color with This Small Space, Drought-Resistant Garden Plan

Add Easy-Care Color with This Small Space, Drought-Resistant Garden Plan

This small space, drought-resistant garden plan will add lots of color without needing a ton of watering.
This Drought-Tolerant Garden Plan Saves Water and Time

This Drought-Tolerant Garden Plan Saves Water and Time

This drought-tolerant garden plan won't require as much watering as thirstier plants. Use this design to create a beautiful garden that will thrive even through dry spells.
How to Prune Basil to Boost Your Harvest

How to Prune Basil to Boost Your Harvest

Learn how to prune basil correctly to delay flowering, encourage more leaves to grow, and take cuttings.
What's a Mulching Lawn Mower and Is It Better for Your Grass?

What's a Mulching Lawn Mower and Is It Better for Your Grass?

Here's what to know about mulching lawn mowers, including how they work, what to look for when shopping for one, and tips for using these machines effectively.
Gardeners’ World Host Monty Don Says Gardens Can Be the Key to Happiness

Gardeners’ World Host Monty Don Says Gardens Can Be the Key to Happiness

Celebrity gardener Monty Don talks with BHG Editor-in-Chief Stephen Orr about finding joy in a changing world through gardening.
Prevent Damping Off Disease in Seedlings with These 8 Simple Tips

Prevent Damping Off Disease in Seedlings with These 8 Simple Tips

Protect seedlings from damping off disease and boost seed germination rates with these growing tips.
12 Before-and-After Garden Makeovers to Inspire Your Next Project

12 Before-and-After Garden Makeovers to Inspire Your Next Project

These clever garden renovation ideas will help you add more interest to your landscape—and make it easier to maintain, too.
Lawn-Care Calendar for Southern California

Lawn-Care Calendar for Southern California

For a Southern California lawn care schedule, follow our easy seasonal guide.
30 Best Native Plants for Southern Gardens That Thrive in the Heat

30 Best Native Plants for Southern Gardens That Thrive in the Heat

Discover the best native plants for Southern gardens that thrive in local climates. Enhance your landscape with these beautiful, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly options.
Here's How to Dry and Preserve Flowers to Enjoy Their Beauty Year-Round

Here's How to Dry and Preserve Flowers to Enjoy Their Beauty Year-Round

Learn how to dry flowers with air drying, silica gel, or even the microwave. These three methods to preserve flowers are great for wreaths, bouquets, and decorating projects.
After No Mow May, Should You Do a Slow Mow Summer?

After No Mow May, Should You Do a Slow Mow Summer?

Here's why you may want to practice a Slow Mow Summer, which focuses on mowing less area less often to help pollinators and the environment.
How to Make a Succulent Heart Planter from Concrete

How to Make a Succulent Heart Planter from Concrete

Cement your love of succulents by whipping up this adorable concrete planter that you can hang up.
7 Tomato Plant Pests and How to Get Rid of Them

7 Tomato Plant Pests and How to Get Rid of Them

These tomato pests can take a big bite out of your harvest. Use these tips to keep them under control.
7 Must-Know Tips for Growing Herbs in Pots

7 Must-Know Tips for Growing Herbs in Pots

Growing herbs in pots is an easy way to keep these flavorful plants close by. Here's how to keep your container herb garden thriving all season long.
Are You Ready for Do-It-Yourself Landscaping?

Are You Ready for Do-It-Yourself Landscaping?

Are you prepared to conquer your yard on your own, or do you need the pros to rescue you? Here's how to tell if you're ready for DIY landscaping.