Climber
Climbing hydrangea
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flowers | Flowers in June | Flowers in July | ||||||||||
| Plant | Plant in March | Plant in April | Plant in October | Plant in November | ||||||||
| Prune | Prune in July | Prune in August | ||||||||||
| Looks good | Looks good in January | Looks good in February | Looks good in June | Looks good in July | Looks good in October | Looks good in December |
Overview
Hydrangea petiolaris is a woody climber that holds onto walls, fences and tree trunks with short aerial roots, so it needs no wires once established. In early summer it carries flat, lacy heads of white flowers up to 25 cm across, set against fresh green, heart-shaped leaves. The foliage turns butter-yellow in autumn, and in winter the bare stems show off peeling, cinnamon-brown bark. Gardeners often say it sleeps, creeps, then leaps, and it is true.
Where to grow climbing hydrangea
It is one of the few flowering climbers that thrives on a north- or east-facing wall, though it flowers well in sun too, provided the roots stay moist. It is also lovely trained up a large tree or sprawling over a low wall or stump. Most soils are fine, including clay and chalk; very dry ground at the base of walls slows it down.
Planting
Plant in autumn or spring, 30–45 cm out from the wall, adding plenty of compost. Lean the stems towards the wall and tie them to canes fixed to it until the aerial roots grip. Water generously.
Care through the year
Spring
Mulch thickly with compost and water during dry springs, when establishment stalls.
Summer
Keep young plants watered; established ones are fairly self-sufficient.
Autumn
Enjoy the yellow leaves and leave dried flower heads on for winter structure.
Winter
Admire the bark; there is no frost protection to worry about in the UK.
Pruning
Pruning is mostly a matter of control. After flowering, cut back shoots heading for windows, gutters or roof tiles, and remove any that have come away from the wall. Old plants can be renovated by cutting back a few main stems each year over several years.
Propagation
Layering is easy because the stems root where they touch damp soil. Softwood cuttings in early summer also root readily in a covered pot.
Common problems
It is rarely troubled by pests or diseases. Slow establishment is usually down to dry roots at the base of a wall. Aphids sometimes gather on soft tips, and a late frost can scorch new leaves without lasting damage.
Something else wrong? Diagnose it by symptom.
Month-by-month reminders
Jobs for this plant come round in March, April, July, August, October and November. Each month page lists everything else worth doing in the garden at the same time.
Related plants
Sources
Botanical names follow Kew's Plants of the World Online; growing attributes were checked against the references below. Text is our own. See our editorial policy.