Question
I live in zone 6. Would like to take cuttings from interesting hydrangeas and root them myself. Don't know if I need root stock, woody stalks, or new canes to accomplish this.

Shady, dry soil? pH? feeding? soaking? etc.  

Answer
Barbara,
Soft wood cuttings are the easist to propagate. These cuttings should be taken around now- late spring, early summer or while the stems are still green. If they have hardened to their natural brown color, then it is too late. Use a rooting hormone to speed the process, and plant them in pots for the first year.
Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen