Content
Propagation of hydrangea by cuttings in spring allows gardeners to grow a spectacular flower on their own. This is one of the easiest ways to get a view on the site. But there are nuances, without the knowledge of which the procedure may be ineffective. It is important to familiarize yourself with the basic rules for propagating hydrangeas using cuttings.
An effective way will help you independently propagate a flower for your site
Features of the propagation of hydrangea cuttings in spring
Gardeners consider this method to be more troublesome, but the most versatile and productive. It is applied to all kinds of amazing flower. Cuttings are especially indicated for panicle hydrangea. The technique allows obtaining a large number of new plants.
It is recommended to carry out the procedure before setting the buds. In addition to grafting, hydrangea is propagated by dividing the bush or layering. But these options are less productive.
How to propagate hydrangea by cuttings in spring
In order for the process to be of high quality, it is necessary to adhere to the basic rules and stages. The main ones will be:
- deadlines;
- correct preparation of shanks;
- preparation of soil, containers;
- rooting technology implementation;
- care and further cultivation of the seedling.
Cuttings of panicle hydrangea are carried out in the spring. The best time is the end of May, in some regions - the beginning of June. The operation is performed with green "spring" cuttings or, more correctly, the tops of the shoots. If you take the cuttings at a later date, they will already be lignified. And such shoots are much harder to root.
The main stage is material procurement.
Rules for harvesting cuttings
On the recommendation of experts, as soon as buds begin to appear on the branches, it's time to cut the cuttings.
The final result depends on how correctly the cuttings are cut.
New shoots grow on the shoots at this time. These green parts are the stocking material. For rooting, you will need a part of the shoot, on which more than one well-developed bud is located. The bush must be over a year old.
You need to take the upper part of the stem, but cuttings from very thin shoots should not be cut. They quickly rot, and the gardener is left without planting material. Then care should be taken to retain moisture. Therefore, the optimal time for cutting is early morning, when the plants are watered with moisture in the tissue. Make the lower cut at an angle of 45 °, the upper cut straight. The cut branches must be immediately removed into a container with water and not left in the sun. It should be reminded once again that the propagation of paniculate hydrangea by lignified cuttings in the spring is not recommended. This species is propagated only by green shanks.
Competent preparation of the cutting is the key to successful propagation of hydrangea
Preparing cuttings
This process does not take much time, but it does require some care:
- First of all, you need to remove the 2 bottom sheets, shorten the rest by half. If buds have formed on the branch, they are cut off.
It is imperative to cut the inflorescences, they pull a lot of strength from the stalk
Place the cutting in the growth stimulant solution for 2 hours. In this case, you need to make sure that the leaves remain dry. Suitable preparations are Epin Extra, Zircon or HB 101, which are used according to the instructions.If there are no such funds at hand, you can prepare honey water at the rate of 1 tsp. for 1 glass of water. It also stimulates callus formation. - When the cuttings are removed from the solution, they must be dusted with Kornevin or Heteroauxin before planting.
Dusting increases the ability of the cuttings to take root
The parts of the shoots prepared in this way are ready for further rooting.
Landing
You can plant the shafts in a special container or directly into the ground. The options for the way of execution do not differ much. But it is worth considering each separately.
In a container:
- Fill the prepared container with wet sand.
- Place the prepared planting material at an angle of 45 °, deepening the lower internode by 2-3 cm.Important! Parts of the shoots should not come into contact with sand leaves and each other.
- Spray the planting with clean water.
- Cover with a glass or plastic cap, transfer future hydrangea seedlings to the shade.
- Monitor soil moisture and the general condition of the cuttings.
If it is summer with the usual daytime (+ 20-25 ° C) and night (+ 18-15 ° C) temperatures, then 1 month is enough for rooting. Then you will need to grow in separate containers. Experienced gardeners advise the propagation of hydrangea by cuttings in spring at home to start immediately in separate transparent cups. This makes it possible to clearly see the appearance of the roots.
Directly into the ground:
- Organize the cuttings in a shaded area of the garden. To do this, dig a trench 20 cm deep. Lay a drainage layer at the bottom, then a layer of nutrient soil and then sand (1-2 cm).
- Plant prepared hydrangea cuttings at an angle.
- Install arcs.
- Cover with foil.
- Water 1-2 times a week, ventilate periodically.
As soon as new apical leaves appear on the stems of the hydrangea, remove the shelter.
There is another popular way of propagating hydrangeas in the spring - germinating cuttings in water. It requires some skills so that the planting material does not rot.
Plain water can replace the laborious grafting process
Process algorithm:
- Cut the twigs into 15 cm pieces.
- Cut the upper part above the last bud.
- Remove leaves.
- Take a transparent container, pour settled clean water. Any rooting agent can be added.
- Change the water daily without letting it rot. However, many gardeners prefer to just add water, considering this option more practical and gentle on the roots. One careless movement can injure them and lead to the death of the cutting.
- Keep the cuttings in water until the root is 2 cm long. This period usually takes 3-5 weeks.
Do not put many branches in one container. It is better to leave no more than 3 pieces.
Additional information on propagating hydrangea by cuttings:
Care of cuttings
Good rooting takes place only in a shaded area. Therefore, containers with planted plants are removed from the light, periodically watered and ventilated. As soon as the first signs of rooting appear, each specimen is transplanted into a separate container with loose nutrient soil. It will be possible to plant the plants next year, so they will have to grow in winter. The best place is a greenhouse. If this is not possible, then the containers need to be dug on the site and covered with high quality. It is recommended to build a small frame, pull lutrasil on top, then a layer of spruce branches and again insulation. Do not cover with polyethylene, which does not allow air to pass through.
Transfer to a permanent place
The rooted hydrangea cuttings are ready to be transplanted to a permanent location next spring. Previously, they need to be hardened a little, gradually accustoming them to the ambient temperature. If the seedlings are not strong enough, then you can move them to the school for additional growth. The transplant can be carried out only when the heat comes.
When transplanting, add 1 tbsp to each hole.spoon of mineral complex fertilizer. Do not water the plant a day before the procedure! This will allow you to well separate the earthen ball from the walls of the container.
After planting, cut the hydrangea 2/3 of the length so that the bush grows more luxurious. If the composition requires a medium-sized plant, then pruning is not necessary.
Accurate execution of hydrangea cuttings makes it possible to decorate the site with amazing flowers
Conclusion
Propagation of hydrangea by cuttings in spring is possible even for novice gardeners. It takes a little knowledge, practice and confidence. The plant takes root very well if the rules of procedure are followed.
