Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea Petiolaris)
How do I care for my Climbing Hydrangea?
The Hydrangea Petiolaris is very easy to grow and maintain! This makes it a very popular climbing plant. It does well in shade and in most soil types. It is important that the soil drains well and is not too compact or too heavy. For example, if your garden has clay soil, you can add some lighter soil to it by mixing it into the clay where you want to grow your climbing hydrangea. The Hydrangea Petiolaris is not a fast growing plant, but it can reach heights of four to five metres after several years. It grows in both height as well as width and is easy to maintain in the shape and direction you want. The climbing hydrangea can cope well with pruning. This is best done after flowering or in the winter.
Does the Hydrangea Petiolaris need to be attached as it climbs?
The climbing hydrangea belongs to the group of self-clinging climbing plants. This means that they climb along a wall or fence with little clinging roots that arise from its branches, just like Hedera (Ivy) and Campsis. You can guide these climbing plants initially, but then they can continue climbing upwards independently. Do not worry about its roots penetrating too deeply into your wall. This is a myth. These climbing plants will help to insulate your home rather than cause damage to it! When you prevent the Hydrangea Petiolaris from climbing, it makes a beautiful shrub or groundcover.
Moisture levels:
Normal
Location:
Semi-shade/shade
Height:
To five metres, depending on pruning
Evergreen or deciduous:
Deciduous
Pruning:
To disered shape
Fertilizing:
Apply NPK in spring to keep it fresh and vital
Flower:
Large white blooms
Flowering period:
May – July
Trivia:
The outer white blooms are ’sterile’ and are responsible for attracting bees and butterflies to its smaller inner florets!