About

This vigorous, deciduous climber with green leaves. Flowers appear in the summer and are pale red, turning pink and cream with age.

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 shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Sub-tropical
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

CultivationA vigorous climber, best grown in partial shade in a moist but well-drained soil, enriched with well-rotted organic matter
PruningPruning Group 11, after flowering
PropagationPropagate by layering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, capsid bug, glasshouse red spider mite and hydrangea scale
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot, powdery mildews, grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)