Rooting Hydrangea and Lilac Cuttings: Summer Protocol

Pam wants to start hydrangea and lilac from cuttings. Do it now (early summer) with green wood:

1. Take cuttings from main branches (no flower buds) with a sharp knife.
2. Strip all but top 2–3 leaves.
3. Dip in rooting hormone (Rootone).
4. Stick 1 inch deep in damp soilless mix.
5. Seal pot in a clear plastic bag; keep at mid-70s°F.
6. Check at 8 weeks (pencil probe for white roots).
7. If rooted, pot up, harden off 7 days, plant out if 30+ days before frost.

Rooting takes 8–16 weeks. Patience and humidity are key.