Climbing hydrangea

More information about climbing hydrangeas

Climbing hydrangeas in a broader sense are representatives of both genera, therefore we will summarise them here. As forest plants - originally from Japan and Korea - they can climb very high objects with their adhesive roots. In our gardens, they are therefore ideally suited for walls, pergolas and fences. Shady locations with cool and humid conditions are ideal for these climbing plants. In early summer, they form sweet-smelling, nectar-rich inflorescences framed by white flowers. Their blooms magically attract butterflies, bumblebees and bees. Hydrangea species differ slightly from Schizophragma species in the flower design (four, white specimen leaves with Hydrangea petiolaris; one, large specimen leaf with Schizophragma hydrangeoides) and in the growth behaviour: If you buy and plant a climbing hydrangea, it will form spreading branches, whereas the hydrangea vine grows quite flat along a wall. In terms of beauty, however, vine and climbing types are identical.

Climbing hydrangeas from the Lubera garden shop

These decorative climbing shrubs with their dark green, shiny leaves are hardy and easy to care for. It is important to know that they only flower after about five years of standing time, but then they bloom all the more luxuriantly.

Suitable location

If you buy one of these climbing plants, you should place it in a cool and humid location, in the shade or semi-shade. They need a permeable (loose) and humus-rich soil. These plants do not like calcareous soil, so you may need to improve the soil.

Planting

It is best to plant climbing hydrangeas in March to mid-May. If necessary, add some rhododendron soil to the planting hole in order to make the soil sufficiently acidic. The planting hole should be about twice as large as the root ball. Mulching around the planting hole is advantageous because the soil remains moist longer.

Climbing aid

At first, climbing hydrangeas grow rather slowly. Similar to ivy, it finds a foothold with its shoots on walls - but these must not be too smooth. The young plant can benefit from a climbing aid, as this helps to guide its shoots upwards. The branches can also be attached to fences and pergolas with wires. Without a climbing aid, it grows into a broad, somewhat spherical shrub.

Care

These climbing plants need quite a lot of water and should be kept evenly moist. In the spring, you can spread leaf compost. Rhododendron fertiliser can also be applied if necessary.

Pruning

Climbing hydrangeas do not necessarily have to be pruned, but of course, you can intervene if the plant takes up too much space. In the case of older plants, you can also cut into the perennial wood. After planting, you can shorten the shoots of the young plant a little in order to encourage branching. It is best to make your cut in February or March.