Hydrangeas are a very popular garden plant, and it’s easy to see why. Their bright and vibrant blooms instantly add a touch of colour to any outdoor space, and they are easy to look after as well.
However, as with all plants, they do need the right care in order to thrive. And according to one gardening expert on social media, there’s one thing that all hydrangea owners should be doing right now for ‘rapid’ growth in the future. Michael the Mediterranean Gardener on TikTok recently made a video highlighting the importance of this job – and it’s not pruning.
In a recent video, he said: “Do you love your hydrangea and want another plant that’s exactly the same? Well now, between mid-spring and early summer, is the perfect time to take cuttings.”
At this time of year, your plant will produce softwood cuttings, meaning it’s this year’s growth that hasn’t hardened off – meaning it will root quickly and ‘rapidly grow’ into a new plant.
How to take hydrangea cuttings
First, have a look at your plant and choose a straight stem with strong growth, that doesn’t have a flower or bud on it, around four to five inches in length. Cut it below the leaf node.
Then, fill a small pot with a 50/50 mix of compost and grit. Take a sharp knife and remove the leaves from the side of the stem, leaving one set right at the top.
Michael said: “You might find that the leaves can be quite big, so what we’re going to do is just cut these in half.”
Then, place the stem in between the side of the pot and the compost. Water it once or twice a day with a light spray, and place it in a slighly sheltered position like a cold frame or greenhouse.
However, if you don’t have these, you can simply place a plastic bag over the top of the stem, which will act as a ‘miniature greenhouse’.
Then, in four to six weeks, you’ll see some new leaves start to appear. This means the new plant has taken root, and you’ll have an ‘exact replica’ of the plant you’ve taken the cutting from. You can then transfer it to a bigger pot or plant it in the garden.