Overview
Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) (H) is a shrubby, climbing shrubs in the genus Hydrangea, part of the Hydrangeaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) (H) grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, containers and climbing walls.
About
Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) is a shrubby, climbing hydrangea that reaches about 3.0 m. It has deciduous foliage and produces summer flowerheads in shades of pink or blue. Flowering is from June to September. It suits sheltered north- or east-facing sites and can be grown in borders, containers or trained up a wall.
About the genus
Hydrangea is a genus of more than 70 species of flowering plants native to Asia and the Americas. Hydrangea is also used as the common name for the genus; some are also often called hortensia. The genus was first described from Virginia in North America, but by far the greatest species diversity is in eastern Asia, notably China, Korea, and Japan.
Wikipedia contributors, "Hydrangea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hydrangea
In the garden
Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) belongs to the Hydrangeaceae and traces its lineage to the species native to Japan. It combines a shrubby habit with the ability to be trained as a climber and typically reaches around 3.0 m, carrying deciduous leaves through the season and producing pink or blue flowerheads in summer. Plant it where it receives full sun but remains sheltered from harsh exposure; north- or east-facing aspects are recommended to avoid hot, drying afternoon sun. It tolerates a wide range of soils — sandy, loamy or clay — provided they are neutral in pH and remain moist but well drained. The cultivar is rated H7, which translates to fully hardy in UK conditions; it also corresponds to USDA zones 5–9. Use Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) in mixed borders where a tall, flowering shrub or trained climber is wanted, in large containers on a sheltered patio, or as a specimen trained up a sheltered wall. The June to September display of pink or blue heads is best appreciated where blooms are at eye level against structure rather than lost in dense planting.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hydrangea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) (H) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Shrubby, climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 3.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, containers, climbing walls
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) (H)
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, semi-ripe cuttings, hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, capsid bug, hydrangea scale, vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Leaf spot, powdery mildew, grey mould, honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) (H)?
Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) (H) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) (H) need?
Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) (H) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) (H) grow?
Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) (H) reaches a height of 3.0 m.
Is Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) (H) hardy in the UK?
Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) (H) has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) (H)?
Softwood cuttings, semi-ripe cuttings, hardwood cuttings.
More in the Hydrangea genus
- Hydrangea longifolia

- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Frau Katsuko' (Lady Series) (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea

- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Oregon Pride' (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea

- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Rosewarne Lace' (L)Bigleaf Hydrangea

- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Rotkehlchen' (Teller Series) (L)Bigleaf Hydrangea

- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Sweet Verena'PBR (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea

- Hydrangea macrophylla Chocolate Ever Belles ('Hokomachoko'PBR) (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea

- Hydrangea macrophylla Hi Tornado ('Hitor'PBR) (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea
