Description

• The climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris) is a woody vine that tends to grow slowly initially and much faster after it's established. Vine hydrangeas climb by twining or clinging to structures or supports. Climbing hydrangeas can vary in size, depending on whether you prune them and what kind of climbing support you provide. With the right conditions, however, climbing hydrangea vines can reach 60 to 80 feet in length. Climbing hydrangeas have heart-shaped, medium to dark green, glossy leaves that are about 3 inches long. Blooming in early summer, their flowers have outer rings of white, showy florets surrounding cream-colored to greenish-yellow flowers. The entire flower cluster is fragrant, about 5 inches wide and flat-topped.
  
  

Growing Conditions

• Climbing hydrangeas grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 through 7, although they will grow in zone 8, just not as vigorously. These vines tolerate winter temperatures as low as minus 25 to minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but they won't endure warmer climates that experience hot summer temperatures, such as Florida and Hawaii. Plant climbing hydrangeas in moist, well-draining and organic soil. If you live in a warmer climate like in zone 8, which includes Southern Georgia, parts of Texas and Northern Florida, plant the climbing hydrangeas where they have shade in the afternoon. Although you can plant this vine in full sun, it prefers some shade.
  
  

Landscape Uses

• As a climbing vine, you can use these plants in your landscape to climb over and cover structures, large trees, fences or walls. Climbing hydrangeas can cover arbors, trellises and other climbing supports, providing both vertical and horizontal visual interest due to their lateral stems. Although the climbing hydrangea is somewhat open in its growth habit and appears more informal than other vines, it does provide three-dimensional interest.
  
  

Considerations

• The climbing hydrangea species itself is the only type commercially available, meaning that there are no available cultivated varieties, or cultivars, of this vine. You can prune the vine in winter or early spring to control its size or to remove growth that isn't flowering. If you don't prune the climbing hydrangea, it will simply continue to grow until it reaches 60 feet or more in height. Climbing hydrangeas aren't bothered by any serious insect pests or diseases.