The ideal period is between late summer and early autumn (August to September), when the stems are semi-hardwood: they are mature enough to root, but still tender enough not to be too woody.
✂️ Steps for taking hydrangea cuttings
1. Choose the right stem
- Select a healthy, non-flowering stem about 12 to 15 cm long.
- Cut just below a node (the point where a leaf joins the stem).
- Remove the lower leaves and halve the upper ones to limit evaporation.
2. Prepare the cutting
- Dip the base of the stem in rooting hormone (optional, but recommended to stimulate rooting).
- Insert the cutting into a light, well-drained substrate, such as a mixture of potting soil and coarse sand.
3. Set up the cutting
- Place the cutting in a pot or tray, ensuring the cuttings are spaced at least 5 cm apart.
- Cover everything with a clear plastic bag or a plastic lid to create a greenhouse effect.
- Place everything in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight, at a stable temperature between 18 and 22°C.
4. Maintain the cuttings
- Water regularly to keep the substrate moist, but not soggy.
- After 3 to 4 weeks, check for root formation.
- Once the roots are well developed, transplant the cuttings into individual pots with light potting soil.
- Overwinter young plants indoors for the first year to protect them from frost.
💡 Additional tips
- To increase the chances of success, you can use rooting hormones or natural alternatives like coconut milk, which promote root formation.
- If you prefer to observe root development, water propagation is also possible: place the base of the stem in a glass of clear water, making sure the leaves do not touch the water.
For a visual demonstration of the hydrangea cutting technique, you can watch the following video: