Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris)

The climbing hydrangea is characterized by lush growth and good frost resistance. It can be planted near walls, fences, it perfectly climbs tree trunks, and without a support it will be a ground cover plant. See what conditions it needs to be able to enjoy the beauty of this climber.

Decorative qualities of climbing hydrangea

Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris) comes from Asia. It can grow next to supports on which it climbs with sticky roots. Therefore, it does not require being tied to the support of the creeper.

It can successfully climb walls, fences, and the trunks of large trees. Sometimes it is also chosen as a climber for pergolas.

Usually it reaches a height of 10 m, although after many years it can grow up to 20 m. Without a support, it can act as a cover plant.

During the growing season, the shoots of the climbing hydrangea are have dark green leaves. The leaves are ovate and their edges are jagged. They reach a length of up to 10 cm.

In autumn they turn golden yellow, and after leaves fall, the hydrangea shoots turn red. So in winter this plant look nice.

Greatest ornament of climbing hydrangea are inflorescences. Which you can admire from late May to July. The flowers are white, small, gathered in flat inflorescences. However, you usually have to wait about 4 years after planting for the first flowering.

Pay attention to the fruits of the climbing hydrangea – inconspicuous bags that develop from internal bisexual flowers. They do not have any decorative qualities, but they are food that birds like. It is therefore worth planting a climbing hydrangea if you like the chirping of winged guests in your garden.

Growing climbing hydrangea

The climbing hydrangea is a species that is relatively easy to grow. It is especially important to choose the right position, thanks to which it should not cause major problems later.

This plant grows best in semi-shaded or shady places, sheltered from winds, in humus, fertile, slightly acidic or acidic soils, and sufficiently moist.

Before planting the hydrangea, you must prepare soil – remove weeds and dig the ground deep. Young specimens are particularly sensitive to drought and require regular irrigation. This species is fully frost-resistant.

If you plan to plant climbing hydrangea next to a tree you must remember about fertilization. Due to the competition, the soil can quickly run out of nutrients.

Fertilization

You can fertilize Hydrangeas with well-decomposed compost or manure. Ready mixtures of mineral fertilizers for hydrangeas are also available for sale. All-purpose fertilizers will usually not be very good due to the fact that they have too much calcium, which the hydrangea does not like.

An excess of calcium in the soil quickly leads to chlorosis (light discoloration) of the leaves. You should fertilizatie from spring to mid-July. Then let the plant come to rest before winter.