About
A vigorous woody deciduous root climber to 12m, with broadly ovate leaves to 16cm long, and sprays of small creamy-white flowers with eye-catching ovate white sterile florets 6cm long.
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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toJapan
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 against a wall, fence or into a large tree. Self clinging, it will attach itself to surfaces by aerial roots. Though shade tolerant, it flowers best in a sunny situation. Plant 60cm (2ft) from support and tie in until established
PruningPruning group 11 in spring
PropagationTake softwood cuttings in early to mid-summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
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)