Description
Description: This is a very slow growing (when young) clinging, woody vine. It is deciduous and the vine itself is not too attractive in the winter when the leaves are gone. But in the summer, the shiny leaves and the large white flowers that are produced after the plant has reached some size are truly magnificent. I’ve seen an ancient plant which has reached a height of over 50 feet growing on a larch tree at Inverewe Gardens in Scotland. It is almost impossible to relate this specimen to the plants we sell in gallon containers.
Climbing Hydrangea does quite well in semi-shade and will actually tolerate almost total shade. A native of China and Japan, it is hardy enough for most areas of New England. Good soil and moderate fertilization will help it grow fairly rapidly once it gets started, but don’t expect it to put on too much growth the first few years. We have been listing this as Hydrangea petiolaris but decided to get on the ball and do it right.