With those massive, snowy white flower heads, it’s no wonder the ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea is a total garden favorite. If you’ve already got one of these beauties lighting up your yard, I have great news: it’s incredibly easy to grow more of them yourself! Here’s the lowdown on how to expand your hydrangea collection without spending a dime.
Propagating Hydrangeas by Division
As the years go by, an Annabelle hydrangea’s root ball can get pretty massive. This is actually the perfect opportunity to propagate your hydrangea by division. Essentially, you’re just splitting the plant in half and moving one part to a fresh spot in the garden. Fall is generally the best time for this, but if you prefer spring, just make sure to do it before the new growth really starts to take off.
How to divide your Annabelle hydrangea step-by-step:
- Carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to get as much of the root system as possible.
- Use a sharp spade to slice the root ball in half.
- If the roots are really tangled or matted, use a garden fork to gently tease them apart.
- Get those roots back into the ground immediately.
If you can’t replant them right away, tuck the roots into a plastic bag with some moisture so they don’t dry out. Once they’re in their new home, give them a good soak. They’ll need a little extra water for the first two weeks to help those roots settle in.
Growing Hydrangeas from Cuttings
Another great way to get more plants is by taking cuttings. You’ll want to do this in the spring. Instead of picking the super soft, brand-new green growth, look for stems that are starting to feel a bit firm or “woody.” Aim for pieces that are about 8 inches long.
How to prep and plant your cuttings:
- Snip your cuttings from the main plant.
- Strip off the leaves from the bottom half of the stem.
- Fill a pot with some high-quality seed-starting mix.
- Cover the pot with plastic wrap (poke a few air holes in it!) to create a mini greenhouse.
- Stick the cuttings into the soil and keep them nice and moist.
Keep your new “babies” indoors for a while. You need to give them enough time to develop a solid little root system and sprout some new leaves. Once they look sturdy and established, your young Annabelle hydrangeas are ready to be moved to their permanent home in the garden!
