About

This miniature, self-clinging, deciduous climber to around 100cm in height, with small, heart-shaped dark green foliage, red-purple underneath. Flat, white lace cap flowers appear in the summer. Happy scrambling through borders, or climbing a tree, trellis or fence.

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, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any moist but well-drained soil in partial shade or grow in sun if soil remains reliably moist. Improve chalky soils with organic matter to support good growth. See climbing hydrangea cultivation
PruningPruning group 11, after flowering
PropagationPropagate by layering and softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, hydrangea scale, capsid bug and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot, powdery mildews, grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)