How to Propagate Hydrangeas

Propagate  Hydrangeas From Softwood Cuttings
The best way to propagate hydrangeas is by softwood cuttings taken in mid-spring. Choose healthy growing tips and take the cuttings in the early morning when they will be at their most moist.

Fill a few small pots with potting compost and water well.

Use a pencil or dibber to make a hole in the compost about 3cm (1in) long and insert the cutting into the hole. Three cuttings can be placed in each pot. Gently firm the compost around the cutting.

Place the pots in a propagator if you have one with the heat on low. If no propagator is available, cover the pot with a plastic bag and secure it to the pot with a rubber band. Make sure the cuttings are not touching the plastic bag because that would encourage them to rot. Place the cutting in a light and airy position which receives no direct sunlight. Inspect the cutting regularly and remove any debris or cuttings that look unhealthy.

The cuttings should root in about 4 weeks. This will be obvious because they will firm up and begin to grow. When this happens, repot each cutting individually into pots. Repot at a later date if the roots start to appear out of the bottom of the pot. Plant in their final positions in late autumn (fall).