Easy Care and Beauty of Climbing Hydrangeas
Climbing hydrangeas are great because they can be grown in any climate and add beauty to any landscape, and they are also easy to care for. They’ll add a lot of interest to your yard with their exfoliating bark and bright winter color.
The climbing Hydrangea is a woody, vine species of hydrangea belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family. The plant is native to Japan, Siberia, and the Korean peninsula. This plant has two plant types or cultivators you’ll find at the garden center – firefly climbing hydrangea and Miranda climbing hydrangea. You’ll also find Hydrangea petiolaris, Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris, Hydrangea anomala petiolaris
Quick Growing Guide
Botanical Name: Hydrangea anomala
Also Called: Climbing Hydrangea, Japanese Climbing Hydrangea
Climbing Hydrangea Care
Hydrangea anomala is related to the H. macrophylla the Garden Hydrangea. However, it’s climbing growth habit puts anomala in a class of its own.
Size and Growth
This plant is characterized by dark bark that has little branchlets growing out from the sides of the structure with oval leaves about 2” to 4” long with small toothed edges. The green leaves change color throughout the season beginning with dark green foliage and morphing into a lighter yellow as the fall approaches.
Climbing hydrangeas have a slow growth rate for the initial three to five years but once established, can pick up speed.
It has a vine-like growth pattern and can grow up to about 30’ to 50’ feet tall when fully mature with a width of about 5’ to 6’ feet.
Young plants make excellent potted patio specimens. Plants growing in containers are easily maintained to heights of 8′ or 9′ feet, even after many years. This plant is hardy to grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 7.
Needs Help To Climb
With proper support, Hydrangea petiolaris forms clinging aerial rootlets like ivy does along its stems. However, when young it is important to train the stems early to initially fasten the plant to the supporting structure. Give plants a sturdy trellis, tie to a wall or other a strong support to grow on. An east or west facing wall is a good choice.
Flower Color and Fragrance
Climbing Hydrangea need some age (several years old) before flowering. Sooner or later, these plants adorn itself with large flower heads of lightly fragranced white flower clusters up to 8′ inches in size, usually appearing in early summer. These clusters of white flowers consist of two types of flowers which together form what is called the “lacecap” effect. Around the cluster edge is large, conspicuous but infertile flowers with showy white sepals designed to attract insects. In the middle of the cluster are the actual greenish white and rather inconspicuous fertile flowers. In the wild, after fertilization, the flowers form seed capsules with brown wings.
Light and Temperature
Unlike most flowering vines, climbing hydrangeas can tolerate partial shade. However, they will flourish best when planted in full sun. More light usually means better blooms. A good six hours of direct sunlight is ideal. However, they will also survive on four to six hours of afternoon shade. This plant is not fond of hot, humid temperatures. If the daytime temperature exceeds 70° degrees Fahrenheit during the day, it can be at risk of getting burned.
Ideal nighttime temperatures are roughly 60° degrees Fahrenheit, which is about 15°C. In order for the plant to set buds, it requires a steady temperature of 65° degrees Fahrenheit for a period of six weeks. Climbing hydrangeas are also not very frost hardy and can be damaged if exposed to frost.
Watering and Feeding
Climbing hydrangeas appreciate frequent watering. They thrive in a consistent level of moist soil. Make sure plants are watered evenly on a regular basis, enough to keep the soil moist. Increase the watering frequency during hot weather.
Plants should be fed in early spring with a high phosphorous granular fertilizer. This will encourage better blooms. You should fertilize again after blooming during the summer.
Soil and Transplanting
For the best results, plant climbing hydrangeas in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. The same kind of acidic soil Azaleas and Rhododendrons appreciate.
Do not put the plant in normal planting soil without mixing in a generous quantity of peat moss. In order to help keep moisture around the roots, apply a layer of mulch.
Grooming and Maintenance
Once plants become established, they will begin to grow faster and will require consistent pruning to keep it in shape.
How to Propagate Flowering Hydrangea Vine
You can propagate climbing hydrangeas by seeds or cuttings.
Growing From Cuttings
If using cuttings, make sure you’ve got a sharp, clean pruner. Cut off a shoot, being careful to cut as low as possible. Plant the cutting in a pot with plenty of potting soil and proper drainage. Keep the pot in a shady spot and keep the soil moist until the plant begins to take root.
Growing From Seeds
When growing from seeds, make sure you collect seed capsules in September and October. They should be no more than 1/10″ to 1/5″ of an inch long.
Dry the seeds for about two weeks after which you should crush them so the seeds are more visible. Once you’ve got your seeds, store them until it’s time to plant them in winter. Sow the seeds on top of the potting mix and cover the pot or container with plastic wrap. Place the container in a room with a temperature ranging from 65° to 70° degrees Fahrenheit. It will take about 18 days or so for the seeds to germinate.
Hydrangea Anomala Petiolaris Pests and Disease Problems
These plants are virtually pest and disease free.
However, aphids can show up in the summer, mainly on the tips of young new growth. Try washing the aphids off with a strong spray of water from the garden hose. Repeat as needed if they persist. Chlorosis is indicated by yellow areas between the veins on the leaves. Chlorosis is caused by iron deficiency due to alkaline water and/or soil.
Cure this by watering with an iron chelate solution specially formulated to treat chlorosis. More on plants and iron deficiency
Small leaves and stunted growth usually is a result of too much calcium. Repot into a potting soil mix containing peat moss. Use purified water when watering.
Drooping leaves signal of too little water. Climbing Hydrangea needs lots of water, especially during the growing season in spring and summer.
Lack of flowers is normal in young plants. Climbing Hydrangeas only flower after being several years old, even with the best care.
Suggested Uses For Hydrangea Vines
Climbing hydrangea vines are versatile and can be grown either upwards along stone walls, fences, houses, large trees, and a number of other supporting structures. They are perfect for covering large areas. They can also be pruned down to grow as ground cover and are ideal for the patio on a large trellis.
