For many people, spring is a time when we spend more time outdoors. With the arrival of warmer weather, we emerge from our winter hibernation eager to enjoy the comfortable temperatures and soak in the sunshine. For me, this season means taking on spring cleaning, gardening and outdoor home projects. My family is fortunate enough to have a yard that is big enough to grow flowers, ornamental plants, fruit trees, and a vegetable garden. All of these areas require attention this time of year. Although there is always more work to be done, it’s also the time when my favorite plants, hydrangeas, take center stage in my yard.
Over the years, I have added several varieties of hydrangeas to my garden. Many of the plants around my home have been propagated from cuttings. Through trial and error, I have found two successful methods to propagate hydrangeas.
The first method is the best way I have found to propagate in the spring. Step one is to take a cutting from a plant that has several leaf nodes. I try to take a branch from a plant that needs some reshaping. Carefully, remove lower leaves from the branch. Then, using a rooting hormone, I dip the bottom of the branch into the hormone and place the branch in a pot filled with good potting soil. Place the pot in a sheltered location for about a month. Make sure to water the cutting as needed.
The second technique is the process that I use in the late summer and early fall. This process is easily done by taking a low-lying branch, partially burying it in the soil, then placing a rock on top to weigh it down. The branch will establish roots and can then be cut from the “mother” and transplanted to a new location in the spring.
If you are in the Charlotte area and looking to add new varieties of hydrangeas to your garden without propagating, here are a few resources for purchasing them locally:
I thoroughly enjoy seeing hydrangeas blooming in my yard. As an added bonus, I take advantage of cool mornings to cut their flowers and use them to brighten the inside of my home and share bouquets with friends. Here are some gorgeous images of my favorite blooms!
