How to propagate hydrangea cuttings in autumn

Hydrangea is a lush bush with bright flowers in the form of large clusters. Many gardeners are breeding this type of garden plant and know that only strict adherence to the steps and rules will help to properly propagate hydrangeas in the fall.

Timing

The optimal time for transplanting hydrangeas will allow the plant to take root quickly and easily. Each method has its own time limit:

in early spring, reproduction is best done by dividing the mother bush, this method is also used in the fall, but only if the hydrangea is reliably protected from the winter cold;
cuttings procedure is carried out in the middle of summer, in rare cases it is possible in late autumn;
March is suitable for planting seeds;
layering transplant hydrangea is allowed in the fall and in the spring.

Reproduction of hydrangeas is not an easy task, which needs a lot of effort and attention, but in return, the plant will decorate the site with its beauty and aroma.

How to propagate hydrangeas

Like many other garden plants, hydrangea can be propagated in the fall with several simple and accessible methods:

planting seeds;
cuttings;
division of the mother bush;
layering;
shoots.

Each of the methods of reproduction in the fall has its pros and cons. For example, if you plan to grow a plant from seeds, you will have to spend a lot of time and ensure proper care. In addition, not all seeds sown always germinate. Therefore, the propagation of hydrangeas at home in autumn by cuttings, layering or dividing the bush is popular. These three methods are considered optimal and accessible even to beginners.

This method is considered the most effective and affordable. Using it, many seedlings are immediately obtained from one mother plant. This method can be used at any time of the year.

Propagation of garden hydrangea by cuttings in autumn consists of the following stages:

If the cuttings of hydrangeas in the fall are carried out according to the rules, then in a few weeks strong roots will begin to grow. With this method, young shrubs and thin shoots should not be used, as they often rot. The first two years in winter, hydrangeas are very vulnerable and can die. When the first frosts appear, they are protected by several layers: crumbled foliage, branches of coniferous trees and a film. When they begin to bloom, additional funds will no longer be required.

Hydrangea propagation in autumn by dividing the bush

This method is considered the easiest, so even a beginner in this field can easily handle division. The process is best done in the spring, but if for some reason it is necessary to carry out reproduction in the fall, then each young plant must be covered for the winter, protecting it from frost.

Step by step cuttings:

A large bush is dug up and carefully inspected so that there are no diseases and injuries on it.
The plant is divided into several parts, on each of them the buds are left, which will help to give new shoots faster.
The roots are carefully cut with a sharp knife, the ends are sprinkled with charcoal. If it is not available, then you can use a brilliant green solution.
Compost, peat and mineral fertilizers are added to the wells before planting.
The resulting cuttings are planted, watered and mulched with peat.

Important! The number of parts obtained from a hydrangea is limited by the number of buds on it.

In addition to the standard division of the roots in the fall, when propagating hydrangeas, you can carry out the process without digging up a large bush. It is enough just to take a pitchfork, dig 15 cm from the branches, tilt the flower and cut off a small part of the root system.

Propagation of hydrangeas by division is a good way to rejuvenate an old shrub. The method is not recommended for hydrangea paniculata.

Propagation of hydrangeas in autumn by layering

Shrubs can be propagated by layering in late autumn. The procedure can be started only after the hydrangea has finished blooming. It is better to combine this process with preparing hydrangeas for winter. It will take a little time, but by spring, several plants ready for rooting will appear from one branch.

Important! If it is planned to propagate hydrangeas by layering, then it is better not to use lignified branches.

Staged propagation by layering:

dig the soil around the bush, but not too deep so as not to harm the root system (15 cm depth is enough);
the soil is well leveled;
around the bush along the radius, make grooves no more than 1.5 cm;
put one layer of hydrangea in each furrow;
press each shoot well against the soil (you can take a hook or a wooden horn to help);
the top of the process no more than 12 cm long is left above the ground and preferably vertically;
sprinkle the shoot with earth, but not too thick a layer, otherwise weak young shoots will not be able to break through to the sun;
after 2–3 weeks, the first shoots will begin to appear on the surface of the earth;
after they grow to 10 cm, they are spudded.

Be sure the mother bush and the grooves around it need to be watered regularly. It is recommended to separate the layers and plant them in the spring or next year in the fall.

Important! To make the roots form faster, the lower part of the stem is carefully cleaned and cut in a circle. The surface must be treated with a growth stimulator.

This method of propagation of hydrangeas is rarely used by gardeners. If you properly care for her, then there are not so many branches on the bush. But because of the ease of implementation, it is great for beginners.

Features of reproduction of different plant varieties

There are many types of hydrangeas, but more often than not, gardeners prefer a few of them because they do not require special cultivation and care skills. But the features of reproduction may vary:

Important! It is preferable to reproduce panicled hydrangea closer to autumn, since after winter most of the young, fragile shoots die.

Conclusion

Propagation of hydrangeas in the fall is a complex process, so you should patiently and carefully follow all the steps. A year later, a new young plant will bloom profusely. Basic rule: regularly water the hydrangea, as it is afraid of drought.