How-to Guide
How to Propagate Hydrangea From Cuttings
The short answer
Take hydrangea cuttings in late spring to early summer, from the current season's growth that is flexible but mature enough to snap when sharply bent (softwood). Cut a 4-to-6-inch tip with a couple of leaf nodes, making the cut just below a node, and pinch off the leaves on the lower half.
Dip the base in rooting hormone if you have it (it raises the percentage that root and speeds it up, but isn't essential), insert the cutting into a moist, well-draining medium like perlite or coarse sand, and cover with a clear plastic bag to hold humidity. Keep it in bright light out of direct sun; most cuttings root in about six to eight weeks. For general technique across plants, see our guide on how to take cuttings.
When and what to cut
Hydrangeas root readily from softwood cuttings. Iowa State Extension says softwood cuttings are taken from late May through early July from the current season's growth, when the wood is flexible but mature enough to snap when sharply bent. Choose healthy, non-flowering shoots if you can.
Make each cutting about 4 to 6 inches long, with a fresh cut just below the point where one or two leaves attach to the stem (the node), since roots form most readily there. Pinch off the leaves on the lower half of the cutting so no foliage sits in the medium; if the remaining leaves are large, you can cut them in half to reduce water loss.
Rooting the cutting
Rooting hormone is optional but helpful. Iowa State notes root-promoting substances increase the percentage of cuttings that root, shorten the rooting time, and increase the number of roots per cutting; dip just the base before planting. Insert the cutting into a medium that holds moisture but drains well, such as coarse sand, perlite, or vermiculite, in a container with drainage.
Humidity is what keeps a rootless cutting alive. Place a clear plastic bag over the cuttings and container to cut water loss from the leaves, and set it in bright light but not direct sunlight, which would overheat it. Keep the medium consistently moist, not soggy.
Timing and aftercare
Be patient. Iowa State notes rooting of most deciduous shrubs takes about 6 to 8 weeks; after 4 to 5 weeks you can gently tug or lift a cutting to check for roots. A cutting that resists a light tug has started to root.
Once a cutting has a small root system, pot it up into regular potting mix and gradually wean it off the humidity cover so it adjusts to normal air. Grow it on in a sheltered spot and plant it out once it's well established. Cuttings produce plants identical to the parent.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- Iowa State University Extension - Propagating Shrubs and Trees from Softwood Cuttings — States softwood cuttings are taken from late May through early July from current-season growth that is flexible but mature enough to snap when sharply bent; cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long with a fresh cut just below a node and lower leaves removed; root-promoting substances increase the percentage that root, shorten rooting time, and increase root number; use a medium of coarse sand, perlite, or vermiculite that holds moisture but drains; cover with a clear plastic bag and keep in bright light but not direct sun; and rooting of most deciduous shrubs occurs in about 6 to 8 weeks.