How to propagate hydrangeas by bud cuttings?

  Hydrangea is what is usually called douqiu or foreign hydrangea. This shade-tolerant ornamental plant is usually propagated by the cuttings method. This method has a relatively low propagation rate. In order to rapidly propagate hydrangeas, this article introduces a method of propagating hydrangeas by bud cuttings, which has a relatively high propagation rate.

  In spring, place the freshly pruned hydrangea in a spot around 25°C for care. Within half a month, many young buds will grow on the plant. At this time, prepare several flower pots or shallow seedling trays filled with plain sandy soil, keep the buds that are intended to grow into branches later, and as soon as the remaining buds grow to about 2 cm, they can be snapped off and inserted into the prepared flower pots or shallow seedling trays. Because the young buds on the plant cannot all grow to the same size at the same time, the buds that have not reached the required size should be left on the branches to continue growing.

  Once they are long enough, snap them off and insert them for cuttings. Each time a young bud is inserted, immediately follow with a spray of clean water. Place the flower pot or shallow seedling tray holding the hydrangea cuttings in a bright place without direct sunlight, keep the ambient temperature between 15°C and 25°C, and spray water twice a day. If conditions permit, it is best to place the flower pot or shallow seedling tray inside a small shelter covered with colorless plastic film, as this can maintain relatively high air humidity and is very helpful for increasing the survival rate.

  After 4 weeks, the vast majority of hydrangea young buds will have rooted. When the leaves of all the hydrangea cuttings have unfolded, it indicates that their root systems are already able to support independent growth. At this point, they can be divided and planted out for normal care.