Big Bugs and Multiplying Hydrangeas

Last Saturday, caller George of Molalla sent us a photo of this insect – the Prionus beetle. It’s gigantic, isn’t it? Jean, our behind the scenes bug gal, identified it right away.

This intimidating specimen is not exactly uncommon in Oregon, but not found running around just everywhere, either. This is the adult stage. It appears in July or August and lives for about 60 days. Unfortunately, in those two months they lay lots of eggs.

The good news is that they don’t attack people or houses. The bad news is that they do attack tree roots – fruit trees and ornamental trees. They are a problem for hops growers (some of which are near Molalla).

Porch or driveway lights attract them at night, so that’s why they showed up on the doorstep.

Gardener Joe was interested in taking cuttings of his hydrangea. Now is a good time, but cuttings can also be taken in spring.

A branch that doesn’t have flowers on it may root faster. Take a cutting with two leaf nodes (where the leaves come out). Cut off the leaves from the bottom node – closest to the ground. Dip it in rooting hormone – just ask in the garden center. Put it in perlite. Keep the perlite well watered, but not sitting in water. Mist it with clean water every day.

Putting the whole thing in a plastic bag can help keep the cutting moist, but may also encourage disease. I usually put the cuttings in a plastic bag, but don’t close the top.

Propagating Deciduous and Evergreen Shrubs, Trees, and Vines with Stem Cuttings is an extension publication that has lots of discussion and photos to study.