About Hydrangea arborescens cuttings

I have a nice Hydrangea arborescens planted by the previous owner of my place. I would like to root some cuttings. I have propagated hydrangeas before but I am a little unsure of exactly when and how to take cuttings from this shrub.

I had cut the shrub back to about 12" tall in early spring. It is now flowering and has shoots that are about 36" long. It seems like every shoot has a flower on the end. I could try to cut a stem down low, cut off the flower, and try to get 2 or 3 cuttings out of each shoot. Does that sound correct?

I suspect that this has been discussed, but the forum search feature was acting up for me.

- Brent

Here is what I could track down on the web...seems like the word on the street is that this shrub roots easily so I suspect that however I take the cuttings should work:

http://wvgardengate.homestead.com/HYDRANGEAS.htm
"Softwood cuttings should be taken from H. arborescens and H. paniculata before the end of June."

http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Hydrangea+arborescens
"Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 8cm long, July/August in a frame. Overwinter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring[78]. Thick growths make the best cuttings, but these should be placed in individual pots[78]. Good percentage[113]. Cuttings of mature wood in late autumn in a frame[200]. Mound layering in spring. Takes 12 months[78]. Division of suckers in late winter[113]. They can be planted out"

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1063.html
"Propagation is best by softwood cuttings in May-June or by division in late winter or early spring."

- Brent

I got very good results from this website -
http://www.nantuckethydrangea.com/propagation.html

Ann

Yes, I have seen that website before and it is very good. I hope to try rooting a few cuttings this weekend. It seems like there are various options but that maybe taking cuttings earlier in the year before the shrub flowers would be the best time. At a minimum it would make me feel less guilty about cutting off blooms.

- Brent

I once tried layering a couple stems, and it worked fine. Our hydrangeas are so old and take up so much space that they need to be cut back, not propagated! Wish there were more interesting hardy hydrangeas than just the white ones...

Caitlinsgarden
The Hydrangea Paniculatas will grow very well in your area. I grow some in pots that I leave out all winter. Haven't lost any yet. Limelight is a very nice cultivator.
Brent
Try taking cuttings in mid January. Cut about 8-10 inches long. lay flat in a box, cover lightly with damp sand. Put in an area that is35degree F but not more than 50degrees F. In March you will have many new plants.

Gary