hydrangea cuttings

I need advice on how to take cuttings of a hydrangea - is it hard wood (old) or new?

 

Hi Flora,

You can take them from both hardwood and softwood, but at this time of year use the semi ripe pieces. I have a small collection doing okay already.

 

Now is the perfect time to take cuttings from hydrangeas. Pick some non flowering newish growth and cut them off at about 6 - 8 ins long. If you are not going to strike them immediately, put them in a poly bag and seal it to keep them tugid (best to take cuttings first thing in the morning as the turgidity is high then) Trim the leaves off with a sharp knife or secateurs and only leave two pairs on. If the leaves are large cut the tips off them (about 1/3) trim the bottom end immediately below a node ( the lumpy bit on the stem) and dip in hormone rooting powder. knock off the eccess and push into a 4"pot of damp cuttings compost.
Place in a poly bag with a small cane or kebab stick in the middle of the pot to keep the edges and top of the bag off the cutting. You can put 2 or 3 around the sides. Seal with an elastic band. Place in a cold frame or a place which gets non direct sunlight. I keep mine beside the tool shed with a old window sash leaning against it. Keep checking the bag to make sure it;s not too dry or not dripping condensation onto the plant. It shouldn't be more than a few weeks before they take root and show signs of growing. Place them in a cold frame with the top on. In the winter, cover the top at night to keep insulated.
Good Luck.:thmb:

 

mine are huge this yr the biggest they've been since we lived here:D