Rooting Hydrangea Cuttings in Winter

Simple Cold‑Season Propagation Methods

Hydrangeas root readily from hardwood cuttings taken in December through February. Three low‑effort techniques:

1. Bag method: Insert 12‑inch cuttings into a bag of moist potting soil laid on its side; most root by May.
2. Compost bin: Push cuttings into the soft humus at the bottom of a wire bin; retrieve rooted starts in spring.
3. In‑ground: Plant foot‑long cuttings beside the mother shrub, cover with a bottomless milk jug for humidity.

Keep the medium damp but not soggy. Transplant rooted cuttings to individual pots or a nursery bed once new growth appears.