About
A tender self-clinging, evergreen climber with lightly honey-scented sprays of creamy to yellow flowers in late spring and early summer. Foliage is narrow, dark green and glossy.
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, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toChina
FragranceFlower
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
CultivationIdeal against a wall or up a tree, in moist, well-drained loamy soil in sun or dappled sun. Needs a very sheltered position
PruningPruning group 13
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn
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)