Question
My friend has beautiful Hydrangas. I would like to do cuttings and plant in my yard. ANy tips?

Answer
Lauren,
If you lool down around the base of the shrub there will be little shoots coming out of the main root system.These are still attached to that main system,but have also created their own roots by contacting with the soil. You can take a sharp spade or edging tool(with a straight sharp edge) and just go about 5 or 6 inches between the little shoot abd the main shrub and give it a good hard slice. It should come away with it's own little roots.Either pot it up in a medium sized pot with fresh potting soil or transplant it immediately into a prepared hole,which should not be a very deepone because the plant will be small. You could do several of these shoots at one time. It's best to do it now in early spring when they are new shoots. Water it slightly every other day if you don't get any rainfall and don't let the roots dry out but don't over water.
Another way to do this is to look the bottom most branch closest to the soil and take a U shaped metal garden staple(WalMart or Lowes has them)and secure that branch down into the soil making sure it gets good contact with the soil.You may have to use several staples at various intervals of the branch. Water it often if you don't get any rain and by the middle or end of the summer you will have a good rooted plant or even several.Transplant immediately and water well.
Hope this is helpful.Hydrangeas are my all time favorite flowering shrubs.I have 7 of them!! I will give you some links to paste into your browser for more info on Hydrangeas(many kinds).Good luck and happy gardening!

http://www.helpfulgardener.com/hydrangea/

http://www.americanhydrangeasociety.org/pennys_garden.html

http://www.hydrangea.com/