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The trick to growing hydrangeas from cuttings is to do it in the spring or early summer when the stems are nice, green and soft—these are the softwood cuttings that make root development easier. By autumn and winter, the stems have toughened, making it more of a challenge for those cuttings to put down roots.
Choose a stem without any blooms yet, about 15cm long. Using pruning secateurs, trim off the lower leaves, leaving a few leaves up top. This will help keep energy focused on root action and water loss prevention. Dip the cutting in some rooting hormone gel or powder to speed up the root-growing process. This will increase your success rate.
Place your hydrangea cutting about a third of the way into a pot filled with propagating mix. Find a bright spot out of direct sunlight, give it a good watering, and keep the soil damp for the first few weeks until you start spotting small buds at the end of your stem. Be patient – it might take a few months before your cuttings turn into sturdy plants ready for the garden. Once they're good to go, you can either pot them up or stick them straight into the ground.
When it comes to growing hydrangeas from young plants, timing is key—spring or early autumn is the sweet spot, avoiding the winter frost and giving them the best shot at settling in. When you're digging the planting hole, think big! Make it two to three times wider than the root ball, giving the roots room to stretch and expand.
Hydrangeas love nutrient-rich soil. Mix in about 15 percent compost and add some organic slow-release fertiliser into the soil before planting. Keep the soil well hydrated, especially in the early growing stages—water well and make sure the soil stays damp, but not waterlogged. For an extra boost, you can apply sugar cane mulch or some well-rotted manure about 5cm deep when you're planting. This enriches the soil and keeps it nice and damp.
Hydrangeas can grow quite wide, so it's essential to give them plenty of space. They come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from 60cm to 3m wide, so make sure to follow the spacing guide for your specific variety. A general guide would be to space them approximately 1m to 3m apart. This way, your hydrangeas will have plenty of space to grow and flourish, and they’re less likely to attract plant diseases.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
