Climbing Hydrangea

Size

Reaching vines and large blooms make the Climbing Hydrangea an instant favorite. Tiny white fragrant flowers bloom in clusters in late June and grow 6 to 10 inches across. Heart-shaped foliage with serrated edges is a lovely deep dark green. The Hydrangea anomala petiolaris is an easy-care perennial that is a slow-grower to start but will grow more quickly once acclimated. Climbing Hydrangeas, Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris, are native to Asia and often called Japanese hydrangea vine or creeping hydrangea. The vines are natural climbers and can reach 30 to 80 foot tall, however, you can prune these to shorter heights. The vines require heavy support to grow, and they will climb up trees, buildings, arbors, trellises, pergolas, fences and other taller structures. The plants use holdfasts also known as suckers on their branches to climb walls, trees, and other structures. The vines will latch onto a support on their own, or they can be trained to grow in specific directions. This plant is a striking specimen, or it can be used to cover a building or pergola. The Climbing Hydrangea is a perennial in USDA zones 4 through 8. These plants typically bloom from late spring or early summer until late fall. The flowers are typically white and very fragrant. The flowers are covered in tiny fertile flowers surrounded by larger infertile flowers, very similar to lacecap hydrangea blooms. People also let the flowers dry out on the vines and use them in arrangements and other crafts. The leaves are medium to dark green in the summer, and turn yellow in the fall before falling. That means these plants are deciduous (meaning the plants drop the leaves in the winter). The interesting looking bark adds winter interest for this plant as well! Climbing Hydrangea Care Use moist but well-drained soil high in organic matter to support healthy growth. These plants can grow well in full sun to partial shade, but prefer some shade in hotter climates. The plants that get more sun, typically do bloom more. This is one of the few vines that can tolerate large amounts of shade, although it will not bloom as much if it is growing in a shaded area. The best location would be an area with morning sun and afternoon shade. Consistently water to keep the soil evenly moist. Apply a layer of mulch to hold in the dampness and prevent weeds. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in late winter or early spring. Apply a second dose of plant food after the flowers begin to bloom. Pruning Climbing Hydrangeas These plants are relatively slow growers the first few years after being planted. Unfortunately, there really isnt much to do to speed this process up, besides starting with the largest plant possible that you can find for sale. It is not recommended that you prune these plants the first 2-3 years. Dead or damaged growth can be removed in late spring or early summer. However, once the plant establishes, it starts to grow quite vigorously and can easily get out of control if you dont watch closely. It is best to prune after the plant blooms in mid-summer, that way you do not cut off the next years flower buds. In the spring, be sure to remove dead or sick branches. You can continue to remove these branches at any time of year. If the plant is way too overgrown, do not prune back drastically. It is best to do this in gradually over 2 to 3 years, that way you do not damage the plant beyond repair. Head over to our hydrangea pruning guide for more information. Climbing Hydrangea Spacing This vining beauty will grow 50 to 60 feet long. The vines will naturally latch onto a nearby structure, or they can be trained to cover a trellis. Plants can be spaced 5 to 10 feet apart and train the vines not to overlap for a better visual appearance but also to maintain the plant.