How to Propagate Hydrangea? A Detailed Guide to Hydrangea Propagation Techniques

Hydrangea, also known as "Xiuxiu" (hydrangea). It is a plant of the genus Hydrangea in the family Saxifragaceae. It prefers shaded, moist and warm environments, and its suitable growing temperature is generally 15°C to 27°C. In hot summers, cooling can be achieved through measures such as shading, enhancing ventilation and light penetration, and spraying water on the leaves. It requires loose, fertile, well-drained and slightly acidic soil.

Hydrangea can be propagated by methods such as cuttings, division and layering, but cuttings are mainly used. The various methods are described below:

1. Cutting method: Cutting propagation can be carried out all year round in a greenhouse. Generally, it is done in May to June, in combination with spring pruning and post-bloom shaping. Select softwood, lignified or semi-lignified branches free of pests and diseases, cut them into lengths of 10 to 20 cm, retain 2 to 3 leaves at the top and cut off 1/3 to 1/2 of each; dip quickly in rooting powder, then insert them into a seedbed with sterilized river sand, vermiculite or expanded perlite as the substrate, provide appropriate shading, keep the leaf surface moist, and maintain a room temperature of 13°C to 18°C. After the cuttings begin to root, gradually reduce the frequency of water spraying and increase light. They can be transplanted in about one month.

2. Division method: Carry out division propagation in early spring in March before budding. Separate the rooted branches at the base from the base of the mother plant and plant them. They can also be directly potted, but the pot should not be too wet. Place them in a semi-shaded area for care, and carry out routine care after new buds sprout.

3. Layering method: Layering propagation requires relatively higher environmental humidity and can be carried out all year round. Select robust, semi-lignified branches. At the lower part near a node, at the internode 20 cm from the top of a side branch, use a knife to cut through the phloem to the cambium. Wrap the cut area with moist moss, peat soil or potting soil, then wrap the outside with plastic film and tie it tightly at the top and bottom. If the temperature is suitable, roots will form in about 1 month. At this point, cut below the layered area, remove the plastic film, and it can be potted or planted in the open field.