Hydrangea petiolaris (climbing hydrangea) — Climbing

Overview

Hydrangea petiolaris is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Hydrangea, part of the Hydrangeaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around Higher than 12 metres tall and 4-8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Hydrangea petiolaris grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include borders, hedges and woodland gardens. It is native to Japan, Korean peninsula and Sakhalin island (Russian Far East).

About

Hydrangea petiolaris, a climbing hydrangea (syn: Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris), is a species of flowering plant in the family Hydrangeaceae native to the woodlands of Japan, the Korean peninsula, and on Sakhalin island of easternmost Siberia in the Russian Far East. Hydrangea petiolaris is sometimes treated as a subspecies of the closely related Hydrangea anomala from China, Myanmar, and the Himalaya, as Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris. The Hydrangea anomala species differs in being smaller (to 12 metres (39 ft) ) and having flower corymbs up to 15 cm (5.9 in) diameter. The common name climbing hydrangea is applied to both species, or to species and subspecies. It grows to around Higher than 12 metres tall and 4-8 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, north-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hydrangea petiolaris

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

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hydrangea

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Hydrangea petiolaris size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Climber Wall Shrub
Habit: Climbing
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: Higher than 12 metres
Spread: 4-8 metres
Time to full height: 10-20 years
Suggested uses: Borders, hedges, woodland gardens
Native to: Japan, Korean peninsula, Sakhalin island (Russian Far East)

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hydrangea petiolaris

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade to full sun; tolerates a range of soil types including clay, loam, and sand; requires a sheltered position; suitable for climbing on walls, fences, or trees.
Pruning: Prune after flowering to control size and shape; remove dead or weak stems; minimal pruning required to maintain form.
Propagation: Softwood, semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance: Aphids, Capsid bug, Hydrangea scale
Disease resistance: Leaf spot, Powdery mildew, Grey mould, Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Hydrangea petiolaris?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade to full sun; tolerates a range of soil types including clay, loam, and sand; requires a sheltered position; suitable for climbing on walls, fences, or trees.

Where is the best place to plant Hydrangea petiolaris?

Hydrangea petiolaris prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Hydrangea petiolaris need?

Hydrangea petiolaris is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.