Rooting hydrangeas from an existing plant

You can root cuttings from an existing Hydrangea. Tip cuttings are the most successful. Cut the Hydrangea branch so that from tip to end it is about 8" long. Remove all the leaves except for the top 2. These you will cut in half to reduce transpiration area. Dip the cutting in Rootone and place in a pot that is 50% peat or potting soil and 50% perlite or sand. Be sure that at least 2" of the cutting are below the surface. Water the cutting by misting the soil until it is thoroughly wet. Keep the cutting out of direct sun and away from wind in an area that remains 60 to 80 degrees. Mist the cutting daily and keep covered with a clear plastic bag. Another way is to use layering. Choose a branch that is close to the ground. Dig a trench 2" deep and as long as the branch chosen. Remove all leaves that will be covered by soil. Again, leave the top 2 leaves and keep them exposed . Chafe the bark where you will want roots to form, usually at a leaf node. Cover the branch with soil and water in. Put a rock or brick over the branch to keep it in the soil and reduce soil evaporation. Roots should begin to form with either method within 4 weeks.

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