How to Take Hydrangea Cuttings like Monty Don

Hydrangeas are beautiful flowering shrubs that come in a variety of colors like pink blue purple, white, and red. With their lush flower heads, hydrangeas make a stunning addition to any outdoor space. Many gardeners wish to have the same hydrangea plants year after year or want more plants just like their existing hydrangeas. Fortunately, hydrangeas are quite easy to propagate from cuttings. In this article, we’ll look at how to take hydrangea cuttings following the techniques of renowned British gardener Monty Don.

Why Take Cuttings from Hydrangeas

It’s easy and cheap to get more of these beautiful shrubs by taking cuttings from parent plants. Buying new hydrangea plants can be pricey, but cuttings let you increase your stock for free. Cuttings make genetically identical new shrubs, so you know they will have the same flower color, bloom time, and size as the parent plant. You can also clone very strong or beautiful individual plants by taking cuttings.

When to Take Hydrangea Cuttings

The key to success when rooting hydrangea cuttings is timing. Cuttings taken in early to mid summer, when shoots are semi-ripe, have the best chance of developing strong root systems. According to Monty Don, semi-ripe cuttings are “flexible, snap cleanly when bent, and the wounded surface feels moist and green inside.” Avoid taking cuttings in fall when plants go dormant. Spring cuttings can work but may take longer to develop roots.

Choosing the Right Hydrangea Cuttings

Select shoots around 4-6 inches long that grew in the current season The stems should be sturdy but not limp Remove the leaves from the lower half of each stem, leaving a few leaves at the top. This helps the cutting conserve energy for root production rather than sustaining unnecessary foliage. Make a straight cut just below a set of leaves at the base using clean, sharp pruners. Cut right above a set of leaves at the tip. Take multiple cuttings from different parts of the plant to maximize your chances of success.

Rooting Hydrangea Cuttings

Gather Supplies

• Clean pruners or scissors
• Propagation/cutting medium like perlite, vermiculite, peat moss, or sand
• Small pots, trays, or other containers
• Clear plastic bags
• Rooting hormone (optional)

Prepare the Cuttings

• Use pruners to trim each cutting to 4-6 inches below a leaf node.
• Carefully remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem.
• Dip the cut end in rooting hormone if desired. This encourages root growth but isn’t essential.

Plant in Medium

• Fill pots/trays with cutting medium like perlite or peat so it’s damp but not soaked.
• Poke a small hole and insert each cutting.
• Gently firm the medium around the stems.

Provide High Humidity

• Place the potted cuttings in a clear plastic bag and seal it. This creates a greenhouse environment.
• Put the bag in a shady spot sheltered from direct sun.

Wait for Roots

• Check for root development in 6-8 weeks. Gently tug on cuttings to feel for resistance from roots.
• When roots form, transplant cuttings into pots using potting mix amended with compost.

With proper timing and care, the vast majority of hydrangea cuttings will successfully take root. Soon you’ll have beautiful new hydrangea plants to brighten your garden!

Common Mistakes When Taking Hydrangea Cuttings

Taking cuttings might seem straightforward, but there are some critical mistakes that can prevent them from developing roots. Here are some common errors to avoid:

• Taking cuttings too late in fall – Hydrangeas won’t root well once they enter dormancy. Take cuttings by mid summer.

• Not taking off enough leaves—Leaving too many leaves takes energy that should be used to grow new roots.

• Putting cuttings in full sun—Direct sunlight will dry out and kill cuttings that don’t have roots. Keep them shaded.

• Letting cuttings wilt – Dryness spells doom for tender new cuttings. Keep them consistently moist.

• Not providing high humidity – Hydrangea cuttings require very humid conditions to support rooting.

• Allowing the medium to dry out – The rooting medium must stay damp, not soggy or bone dry.

With attention to proper timing, careful cutting selection, and ideal rooting conditions, you can propagate gorgeous new hydrangeas from cuttings successfully. Taking cuttings from existing plants allows you to inexpensively expand your garden with more of your favorite hydrangea varieties. Follow Monty Don’s best practices for taking cuttings, and you’ll watch your plant collection blossom!