I've always have had that question, Bill!
Are you spending less on gardening?
Mine finally bloomed a couple of years ago after a long wait for it to get established. I would say they bloom early spring around here. This one was in full bloom mid April. Noticed the first buds at the beginning of the month. I suppose if you are in a milder climate without snow they would bloom in late winter. A nice surprise when you are first out in the garden cleaning up.
Our winter temps are higher here, and the Helles come up when they're ready; some earlier than others. With the snow, they were weighted down & finally were able to stand up straight. I think they respond to the climate they are grown in. Those that bloom earliest might not perform well, depending on your location.
Michaela, how nice to know that your hydrangeas are doing well! I've never rooted any from cuttings. Did you grow them in soil or water? I will definitely try that next summer! Thanks for that tip!
Louise
Well, it was really easy - you take the cuttings in June - dip them in some rooting compound - then I just stuck them in some soiless seed starter and kept them moist. I had mine in the basement because it is cooler there - but I expect you could just put the pots some place in the shade. Anyway, after about 3 or 4 weeks, they have new roots and are on their way. I then potted them in potting soil in 8 inch pots and put them in the shade until fall. Before the first hard frost, I brought them inside and placed them in an unheated room in the basement which is very cold. They went dormant. After 8 weeks, I have brought them back to the center of the basement which is still cooI but definitely warmer than than the cold storage room. They are currently getting 16 hours of light each day. Once it warms up, I will plant them permanently in the garden (somewhere!)
Anyway, the same hydrangea 2 year old plants will sell for about $30 each at our local nursery - and I have three! And I plan to make more!
Great! I know how expensive mine were too! I love nothing more than growing things from seeds or cuttings - especially expensive plants! LOL! Thank you for those great instructions. I'm there, Baby!!!
Brava, Michaela! Does not sound easy but I am quite impressed!!!
Pat - I forgot to say that I love your helleborus. Mine died. Sniff.
if you google starting hydrangea cuttings there is a guy down on the cape that gives excellent directions. with a warning that is is addictive
Excellent - I am checking that out! Thanks Wha!
let me know if you find it I printed is out and have it somewhere - it is basically exactly as you described.
yep - no problem. It's great 'cause it has pictures to illustrate directions.
I've had good success with the Rooter Pot system for propagating woodies (sounds backwards.) Gives you a larger plant sooner.
http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.aspx?c=2&p=46938&cat=2,47236
victor what have you propagated with those? i have three of them and tried them on JM's (surprised) with no luck. and also on a white birch with no success.
i'm guessing that they would do well with hydrangea and maybe rodies.
sherri why are you laughing???
Viburnum, hydrangea, clethra. One or two others, but can't remember. If the JM is grafted, it probably won't work. Haven't tried on any evergreens.
our friend David says that jm's from cuttings are just about impossible and even if the grow some roots the evetually die.
Will have to try them on the pinky winky hydrangea this year.
thx
Victor!!!!!!! ^_^
Hee hee - thanks Phoebe!
Me too at both the woodies and your return. P.
Thanks Patti!