I mixed some grit sand with top soil and used the dibber to plant my cuttings in. They will root from a leaf node and I cut back the leaves to reduce the need for water to them.
Seven new plants hopefully. Now we are getting the heavy showers and rain and I will water them regularly. They should be OK and not burn up. It's good to feel a bit cooler and make use of the Saint Swithin's rainy weather.
Anyone else taking softwood cuttings at the moment? I have made thirty new Hydrangea cuttings up to now. Perhaps Saint Swithens is the patron saint of Hydrangea cuttings?
I'm not a fan of hydrangeas, hubby has a small plant in his front garden, I'm sowing seeds for next year, I will also sow more carrots and some purple sprouting on Friday, we have wet weather due as well. I also have loads of sweet williams to go out in garden, not enough room, I did a whole packet of seeds so I have some to give away to neighbours.
ReplyDeleteHydrangeas love the very often acidic Irish soil Marlene. I'm weeding and harvesting and sowing peas, carrots, brassicas and beetroots. It's rained all night here.
DeleteThat is a talent I wish I had. What do you plan to do with 30 Hydrangeas? Here in the southern USA they can grow as tall as a house if not cut back regularly.
ReplyDeleteNothing gladdens my heart more than when a cutting strikes roots Lisa. It sounds like you have some magnificent specimens. I will keep some and sell some of my rooted cuttings at car boot sales next year.
ReplyDeleteGreen fingered Dave strikes (cuttings) again!
ReplyDeleteThe countryside can send you mad JayCee. You have got to have an hobby or obsession. I'ma plantaholic.😀
ReplyDeleteYou're incredible.. Green fingerrd Dave all right.
ReplyDeleteThis year we don't have any hydrangeas. I love them but they never last more than a, year or 2. I probably overwater them.
Thanks Linda. I am always making new plants. Hydrangeas love water especially in Ireland and they are not fond of intense heat. You would be better off growing in a damp and shady area.
ReplyDeleteI've tried some lavender (middle of winter so taking my chances). Hydrageas grow feral on our West Coast a bit like that rhododendron ponticum in UK - no one wants it in their place. Getaniums on the other hand.... 😁 Yes please. An old lady used to pass the garden outside our apartment in Greece and poke in bits of geranuim she'd stolen from other people's gardens and they always took root and grew.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried growing your cuttings in sand TM? Lavender hates the wet and damp Irish climate and doesn't live long here unless you take it inside for the winter. Ponticum is very invasive and rife in parts of County Kerry. Pelargoniums are quite easy to root.
ReplyDeleteThe last thing I needed to see this morning was your dibber! Put it away will you?
ReplyDeleteI'm always losing it. It's made of wood and great for making holes and for planting Leeks and cuttings.
ReplyDeleteI've never tried propogating outdoor plants before. I might have to try it with my hydrangea.
ReplyDeleteSedums and Hydrangeas soft cuttings are a good way to start Jules. I don't even use hormone rooting powder with Sedums. Pop them in the soil or compost and three weeks later they will have roots.
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