Hydrangea cutting - query regarding flower buds

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by TheMadHedger, Jun 5, 2016.

  1. TheMadHedger

    TheMadHedger Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2008
    Messages:
    664
    Location:
    Wales
    Ratings:
    +247
    I have a Hydrangea cutting which I took last year and planted in the garden some months ago.

    It looks very healthy and is about 6 inches tall. It's also starting to form one set of flower buds in the main growing tip - should I nip that out this year in order to encourage more overall growth?

    Thanks
     
  2. Anthony Rogers

    Anthony Rogers Guest

    Ratings:
    +0
    00000000000000000000000000015810Hi MadHedger,

    I can't tell you which way or the other but I've recently bought a Hydrangea " Annabelle " which is probably about 12" high and I've left the flower buds on mine.

    I've always thought that they were the sort of shrub that if they flower it's because they want to ( if that makes sense ) rather that say a Fuchsia which you can prune, pinch and shape.

    No doubt somebody will say I'm wrong though.
     
  3. TheMadHedger

    TheMadHedger Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2008
    Messages:
    664
    Location:
    Wales
    Ratings:
    +247
    Fair enough, thanks for the reply - let's see what transpires. :)
     
  4. redstar

    redstar Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2008
    Messages:
    7,406
    Gender:
    Female
    Occupation:
    Domestic Goddess
    Location:
    Chester County, PA, USA, Plant zone 4 & 5
    Ratings:
    +11,576
    An Annabelle is one of the top armor all hydrangeas, it is tough . Now what kind @TheMadHedger started is not told. however, when I start a new baby, I let it do its thing for a full year before I do anything to it. So it can seat well in its new location and get strong and decrease stress.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

      Joined:
      Jun 3, 2008
      Messages:
      32,433
      Gender:
      Male
      Location:
      Surrey
      Ratings:
      +49,913
      Personally I'd remove flower buds from any cutting that size in the first year, reasoning that the plant needs to put its energy into developing roots and then you'll get a bigger plant the following year.
       
      • Like Like x 1
      • Agree Agree x 1
      • TheMadHedger

        TheMadHedger Gardener

        Joined:
        Feb 4, 2008
        Messages:
        664
        Location:
        Wales
        Ratings:
        +247
        Ta for the tips. I'm not sure what kind mine is, I must take some photos and post here. Looks like your average Hydrangea to me. :)
         
      • Sandy Ground

        Sandy Ground Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Jun 10, 2015
        Messages:
        2,268
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Making things of note.
        Location:
        Scania, Sweden
        Ratings:
        +5,372
        When I planted mine, I left them for the first two years, only pruning away any dead that I saw.
         
        • Like Like x 2
        • pamsdish

          pamsdish Total Gardener

          Joined:
          Apr 5, 2008
          Messages:
          5,151
          Gender:
          Female
          Occupation:
          Retired
          Location:
          "Black Country Wench" in Margam,Port Talbot,Wales
          Ratings:
          +4,445
          I took some cuttings a few weeks ago, some have developed flowers, away now to cut them off. All look quite happy so hopefully developing roots.
           
        • "M"

          "M" Total Gardener

          Joined:
          Aug 11, 2012
          Messages:
          18,607
          Location:
          The Garden of England
          Ratings:
          +31,886
          I started a post on propagating hydrangeas a couple of years ago and was given detailed advice on when/how by Kristen: Hydrangea Propagation: experienced advice required

          Rather than read the whole thread (although you may if you wish) I'll quote the pertinent post:
          I raised my cuttings in pots (not directly planted into the ground) and was very successful.
          So, my advice would be to give your 'cutting' a very dilute feed, probably fortnightly, through the summer. Oh, and leave the flower buds alone ;)
           
          • Like Like x 1
          • TheMadHedger

            TheMadHedger Gardener

            Joined:
            Feb 4, 2008
            Messages:
            664
            Location:
            Wales
            Ratings:
            +247
            Thanks very much. :)

            Will Tomorite do as a feed?
             
          • "M"

            "M" Total Gardener

            Joined:
            Aug 11, 2012
            Messages:
            18,607
            Location:
            The Garden of England
            Ratings:
            +31,886
            I used Miracle Gro on mine.
             
          • TheMadHedger

            TheMadHedger Gardener

            Joined:
            Feb 4, 2008
            Messages:
            664
            Location:
            Wales
            Ratings:
            +247
          • redstar

            redstar Total Gardener

            Joined:
            Aug 6, 2008
            Messages:
            7,406
            Gender:
            Female
            Occupation:
            Domestic Goddess
            Location:
            Chester County, PA, USA, Plant zone 4 & 5
            Ratings:
            +11,576
            I like the natural Fish Emulsion. but back to cuttings. It depends, if I have actually cut a healthy twig/branch and dipped it in hormone/growing powder, then yes, it goes in a pot with good soil etc. to sit in a protected area for a good couple years or less depending on when I see the good roots. But, most of mine have been from babies, that have grown a foot out from the main plant, with a huge root system/tail on them, those go directly into the soil and work well.
             
          Loading...

          Share This Page

          1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
            By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
            Dismiss Notice