Hydrangeas are a garden favourite, loved for their vibrant blue, purple, and pink blooms that bring colour and charm to borders and patios. However, with their flowering season lasting only a few months, many gardeners are eager to find ways to enjoy more of these show-stopping shrubs without spending a fortune.
Enter Anya Lautenbach, the popular gardening expert known online as The Garden Fairy, who has revealed a simple propagation method that allows gardeners to multiply their hydrangeas for free. According to Lautenbach, late summer through early autumn is the best time to try the technique, making September the ideal month for propagation.
The process begins with selecting the healthiest shoots from the season’s growth. Lautenbach recommends choosing firm stems with a slightly woody base.
Using garden clippers or secateurs, gardeners should make a clean cut just below a leaf node, remove the leaves from the lower third of the cutting, and trim the remaining top leaves in half to reduce moisture loss.
Next, the cuttings should be placed in a clear container of water and positioned in a bright but shaded spot, away from direct sunlight. The water should be changed regularly to keep it clean and prevent bacterial growth.
With the right balance of light and moisture, new roots are expected to form within four to six weeks. Once well established, the rooted cuttings can be transferred into pots filled with soil, ready to grow into new hydrangea plants.
Lautenbach says the method works for all hydrangea varieties, including mophead, lacecap, and climbing types.
She also points out that the same propagation technique can be used for other hardy plants such as lavender, herbs, trees, and shrubs, requiring no specialist tools or gardening experience.
Fans of The Garden Fairy have also shared their own tips in response to her video. Some suggest placing newly rooted plants in a warm area, such as a greenhouse, and covering them with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity.
By spring, the young hydrangeas can be moved outdoors to a semi-shaded area, where they should be watered regularly until they become established.
With this easy and cost-free method, gardeners can look forward to more abundant hydrangea displays year after year — all without spending a penny.