I find no problems with the demo at all. The cutting above the node was simply to limit top growth......in fact if you look at most written instructions for propagating hydrangeas from cuttings, they suggest the node be at least 2 inches above the cut end but 5-6 inches is the most common.

Since hydrangeas are about the easiest woody plant to grow from cuttings aside from willows regardless of method, I would imagine the success rate was quite high, Superstorm Sandy aside.

Gardengal, well I am so glad to learn something. So then do the roots not shoot from the nodes? How about the rooting hormone - is it not important to get the rooting hormone (if you are going to use it) at the node? I am so glad you came along and pointed this out. In all that I have read on propagating (and it is a lot), I have read to cut the shoot just above a node, so as to not leave a long, unsightly stem sticking above it on the plant, and then to cut the shoot again, just below the bottom node. With begonias, for example, the stem below the node is useless and only serves to increase chance of rot. Instructions always show to cut just below the bottom node on the cutting. Same with roses - see the link below, and also many tropicals and perennials. Hmmm, so hydrangeas are different. Well thank you for taking the time to respond. I would love to know the answer about applying rooting hormone.

It seems to me that many, many people do not find rooting hydrangeas to be so easy. Just Google it - the forums are filled with frustrated gardeners.

Thanks again,
Carol

Here is a link that might be useful: Is this how you scrape the cuttings for rooting?

Hydrangea will root from a stem cutting, with or without, a node in the soil, and a rooting hormone is recommended, nothing special, and in most cases will even root without it. As was mentioned, only thing easier is willow. Al

I had a whole flat of them take that I rescued from the garbage can a few years ago. They were trimmings and cut willy nilly with no care to the node. I think the surprising thing for me was I though they had all died because the leaves fell off and the top died back to dirt on about half of them but they came up from the ground the next spring . Hydrangea seem to want to grow no matter what you do to them. I have a feeling some people might be throwing them out before they have a chance to come back up from the ground.