How to Start Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) are deciduous vines and shrubs grown for their large, showy heads of flower clusters composed of numerous tiny florets. The fast-growing plants grow best in areas of partial shade and bloom in white and shades of red, pink and blue. Hydrangeas do well as container plants and prefer fertile, well-drained soil. It is easy to start hydrangeas with softwood cuttings.

Soilless seed starter mix
Small pot
Rooting hormone
Plastic cup
Sharp scissors
Plastic bag
Rubber band
Half-gallon pot
Potting soil

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a small pot with soilless seed starter mix, also referred to as a cutting starter mix. Pour about an inch of rooting hormone in a plastic cup.
- 2
  Cut a 3- to 4-inch-long section of a vigorously growing, nonflowering shoot starting from the tip using a sharp knife or scissors. Softwood cuttings are the current year's new growth that has started to get a little firm. Take hydrangea cuttings between April and August.
- 3
  Remove all leaves from the lower half of the stem. Insert the base of the cutting in the rooting hormone. Shake and remove excess solution or powder.
- 4
  Insert the cutting in the cutting starter mix. Water well and cover with a large plastic bag. Close the top with a rubber band to create a greenhouse effect. Place in a shaded area.
- 5
  Remove the pot from the bag every three to four days and water enough to keep soil moist but not wet. Cuttings usually root in five to six weeks.
- 6
  Transfer the rooted cutting into a 1/2-gallon pot filled with well-draining potting soil. These usually develop into a small plant with a couple of branches and flowers. You can transplant the rooted cuttings directly outdoors.

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