About

Hydrangea anomala, the Japanese climbing hydrangea, is a vigorous, deciduous or semi-evergreen climber reaching up to 12 m with self-clinging stems, mid-green, ovate, coarsely toothed leaves and peeling, brown bark on mature plants. Broad, loose lacecap clusters of flowers appear in early summer, with small, greenish-white fertile flowers surrounded by large, conspicuous, white sterile florets. One of the best self-clinging climbers for a shaded wall.

About the genus

Hydrangea are deciduous or evergreen shrubs, or self-clinging climbers, with flowers in clusters usually comprising both small fertile and larger, showier sterile florets. They are grown for their dramatic and long-lasting flowerheads and often good autumn colour.

Plant details

Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, fertile soil in partial shade to full sun. Mulch annually with well-rotted organic matter. See hydrangea cultivation
PruningPruning depends on type. Remove spent flower heads in spring. See hydrangea pruning
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, aphids and capsid bugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildew and honey fungus
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