Climbing Hydrangea Care Instructions

Climbing Hydrangea

Scientific Name: Hydrangea petiolaris                                                                                                                           

Category: Deciduous flowering vine. Adhering.

Habit: Handsome vine that needs a flat surface (wall, fence, tree trunk) to adhere to.

Growth rate: Has a reputation for being slow to establish, then rapid, especially if given adequate moisture.

Fertilization: If desired, Espoma Holly Tone, Plant Tone, Tree Tone

Landscape benefits and culture: This is the choice for those needing an adhering vine that will go in part or full shade sites, as well as full sun. Handsome, leathery dark green leaves that get larger in more shade. Lacy white, early summer flowers appear on the perpendicular branches that grow out from whatever surface it’s growing on as the plant ages. Yellow/gold fall color. As the plant matures and stems thicken the bark starts peeling and curling, creating a nice winter effect.  If the plant you purchase has a stake in it remove it at planting time (if feasible) and push the stems as close as possible against the surface you want it to adhere to. It will do that by attaching at the bottom and then growing up. All too often people plant them with the stake still in and the root ball away from the support, leaving the stems hanging out in air without touching the surface and they don’t attach. If they don’t attach they continue to grow slowly.

Pruning: Trim back the shoots that have grown beyond their allotted space.

Potential pests/issues: Japanese beetles can be a consideration, especially on plants in sunny south or west-facing exposures.