Introduction to Annabelle Hydrangeas
Annabelle Hydrangeas are a popular deciduous shrub in the hydrangea family. They are known for their large white flower clusters that bloom in mid-summer and last until fall. These hardy bushes grow best in full sun or partial shade and can reach heights of up to 6 feet tall, with an equal spread. Propagating annabelle hydrangeas is a great way to create new plants while maintaining their classic beauty and long blooming season.
Propagation Methods
There are two propagation methods used when propagating annabelle hydrangeas: softwood cuttings and division. Softwood cuttings involve taking clippings from the bush’s current year’s growth, which is then rooted into soil or water until it forms its own roots. Division involves dividing the root ball of an existing plant into smaller sections, each with enough roots to establish itself as a separate plant once replanted into soil or water. Both methods will work, but division is often easier since there’s no need for rooting hormones or extra care taken with the cutting before planting them into soil/water – just divide away!
Softwood Cuttings
For softwood cuttings, you’ll want to take 3-4 inch stem pieces from your annabelle hydrangea bush right at the beginnings of summertime (mid May). Remove any leaves towards the bottom half of these stems so that they won’t rot off in moisture while rooting takes place – leaving some leaves on top helps keep these pieces hydrated during this process! You can use either hormone rooting powder (found at most garden centers) OR dip them lightly into honey prior to planting them 2 inches deep into damp potting mix – this encourages root growth as well as keeping it healthier overall than other “home brewed” concoctions people sometimes try using instead!
Once planted, you’ll want to keep your potting mix moist without overwatering; misting daily should do just fine here too if needed! When ready for transplanting outside; wait until next spring time when temperatures have warmed up again & follow all regular guidelines for transplant success such as watering deeply after moving plants out etcetera… After about 8 weeks (around late July/August) your cuttings should be well established & ready for careful removal from their potting mix homes 🙂
Division
If you choose division over softwood cutting propagation technique; make sure that each section has enough mature roots intact so it can sustain itself by developing new feeder roots quickly upon being transplanted back out again when ready! Carefully dig around one side of your shrub first before attempting any type of physical division so that you don’t damage existing ones already present – usually only 1/3rd group divisions work best here anyway since they’re quite hardy already anyways =D This method requires far less care than softwoods (no need for additional hormones etc.) although still helpful generally speaking; however not absolutely necessary depending on how much direct sun / moistness levels your chosen area gets throughout day times… Once divided correctly & replanted accordingly – simply water deeply afterwards + mulch generously around base area like normal gardening would suggest doing normally 😉
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