Complete Guide to Propagating Hydrangeas from Cuttings

Hydrangeas propagate reliably from softwood cuttings taken any time of year, though late fall starts require indoor light over winter.

Cutting Procedure

1. Take 6–8 inch cuttings from non-woody, tender shoots.
2. Keep cuttings in water until potting.
3. Remove all but the top leaf pair.
4. Dip in rooting hormone (Rootone or Clonex).
5. Plant in moist potting soil, cover with clear plastic.
6. Check moisture every few days; roots form in ~3 weeks.

Overwintering & Transplanting

• Grow under fluorescent lights or in an east window through winter.
• Repot every 3 months into a pot 2 inches larger.
• Harden off in spring: gradual exposure to outdoors over 6 days.
• Flower color is genetic, not soil-dependent (unlike some hydrangea species).
• First blooms appear within 4 months; pinch indoor buds to encourage bushiness.

Use a 6-inch pot initially. Inexpensive rooting powders like Rootone (~$5) work well.