Hydrangea Propagation

The Hydrangea, also known as Hydrangea, is one of the most beloved garden plants in the Netherlands. With its lush flowers in various colors, it is no wonder that many want to fill their gardens with them. Do you want more hydrangeas without having to sow seeds? Then taking hydrangea cuttings is the perfect way to easily propagate your favorite plant. This method is not only fun to do, but also very effective. In this blog, you will discover everything about taking hydrangea cuttings: from the ideal time to the right method and care.

When to Take Hydrangea Cuttings?

The best time to take hydrangea cuttings is during the active growth period, when the plant is full of energy. This is usually between late spring and early summer. At that time, the young shoots are strong enough to root, but still soft and flexible enough to be easily propagated.

Hydrangea Cuttings Spring

Spring, particularly May and June, is ideal for taking cuttings. The shoots are fresh, green, and full of sap. Make sure to choose a healthy, non-flowering shoot about 10-15 cm long. This type of cutting, a so-called "soft cutting", roots quickly and has a high chance of success.

Hydrangea Cuttings Winter

Taking hydrangea cuttings is less common in winter, but it is possible via so-called "woody cuttings". These are taken from woody branches and require more patience. Store the cuttings in a cool, sheltered place, for example in a cold greenhouse, and wait until spring for them to start rooting.

How to Propagate Hydrangeas?

Propagating hydrangeas is simple and requires no expensive materials. With a few basic tools and some patience, you can quickly grow young plants.

Supplies for Hydrangea Cuttings: sharp knife or pruning shears, potting soil, small pots or seed tray, plastic bag or propagation cap.

Step-by-step plan for Hydrangea propagation:

1. Choose a young, healthy shoot of approx. 10-15 cm, without a flower bud.

2. Cut the shoot diagonally just below a leaf node.

3. Remove the lower leaves; leave the top two leaves intact.

4. Optionally cut these leaves in half to limit evaporation.

5. Optionally dip the cutting in rooting powder (optional).

6. Place the cutting in moist potting soil.

7. Cover with a plastic bag or place under a grow hood to maintain a humid climate.

8. Place in a bright spot out of direct sunlight.

9. Keep the soil slightly moist and check for root formation (after approx. 3-4 weeks).

After sufficient roots have formed, you can Transplant the hydrangea or put it in a larger pot.

Climbing Hydrangea Cuttings

The climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris) can also be easily propagated via cuttings. This species grows more slowly, so be more patient. Use the same method as with regular hydrangeas, but give the cuttings some extra time to form roots.

Make sure you take a young side branch that is not yet too woody. A climbing hydrangea cutting may need a few weeks longer to develop properly.

Hydrangea Cuttings in Water

A popular method is taking cuttings in water. To do this, place the cutting in a glass or pot of water so you can see when the roots appear.

Please note:

• Change the water every few days.

• Do not place the glass in direct sunlight.

• As soon as there are enough roots (at least 3-5 cm), transplant the cutting into potting soil.

Not all hydrangeas root equally well in water, but it is a fun and accessible method.

Hydrangea Cuttings in Open Ground

You can also propagate hydrangeas directly in the open ground. This works especially well in spring or early summer. Choose a sheltered spot with moist, well-draining soil.

Loosen the soil and insert the cutting directly into the ground. Water regularly and, if desired, cover with a glass dome or a bottomless plastic bottle to create a greenhouse effect.

Hydrangea Cuttings in Potatoes

A creative, but lesser-known method is propagating hydrangeas in a potato. The moist, starchy potato provides a constant source of nutrients and prevents the cutting from drying out.

• Cut a hole in a raw potato.

• Insert the cutting into it.

• Plant the potato with the cutting in a pot with potting soil.

Keep the soil moist and cover with a plastic lid. The potato will eventually decompose and nourish the cutting.

Hydrangea Cuttings Types

Almost all hydrangea varieties are suitable for cuttings, although some take root better than others. It is important to take into account the growth rate and preferences for soil and moisture for each species.

• Hydrangea macrophylla (common hydrangea): very suitable, fast rooting and excellent vigor.

• Hydrangea paniculata (panicle hydrangea): also easy to propagate from cuttings and relatively easy to maintain.

• Hydrangea arborescens (such as Annabelle): grows quickly from cuttings, with strong root development.

• Hydrangea quercifolia (oak-leaved hydrangea): slightly Slower to root, but certainly successful with a little extra patience.

By carefully selecting these varieties and taking cuttings at the right time, you can easily expand your garden with healthy, home-grown hydrangeas.



Annabelle Cuttings

The popular Annabelle is a variety of the Hydrangea arborescens and is very easy to propagate from cuttings. This variety has soft stems that root quickly. Follow the standard step-by-step plan for soft cuttings in May or June, and you will have young plants within a few weeks.

Ensure that your Annabelle cuttings receive sufficient moisture, as they are sensitive to drying out in the beginning.



With this blog, you can get started with propagating hydrangeas. Whether you choose water, soil, or even a potato: it is an accessible and fun way to enrich your garden with new Hydrangea plants. Good luck and, above all, have fun propagating your hydrangeas! You can read more about the Hydrangea in our blog: Hydrangea Care!