About
A vigorous, large deciduous shrub climbing by aerial roots, with slender-pointed, ovate, entire leaves to 17cm in length. Flowers inconspicuous but surrounded by eye-catching white ovate bracts to 9cm in length.
About the genus
Hydrangea can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, or self-clinging climbers, with flowers in clusters usually comprising both small fertile and more showy sterile flowers; often good autumn colour
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
Native toC & W China
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moist but well-drained soil in partial shade or grow in sun if soil remains reliably moist. Improve chalky soils with organic matter to support good growth. See climbing hydrangea cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 11 in spring
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, capsid bug, hydrangea scale and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot, powdery mildews, grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)