Hydrangea anomala petiolaris

Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris (climbing hydrangea) is a deciduous, self-clinging climber valued for its fresh green, serrated, ovate leaves and large, showy, white lacecap flower heads in early summer. This climber is self-clinging and can attach itself to suitable walls or structures as it grows. Ideal for east- or north-facing walls and fences, it thrives in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil (acid to neutral) and will grow in sun, light shade or full shade. Eventually, it can reach about 12m in height and spread to around 8m across when supported. Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit and recognised as attractive to pollinators.

This climbing plant has been trained onto a supporting frame to create a neat, well-shaped specimen that is ready for planting. As it grows, new shoots can be guided and secured to continue developing its natural shape.

To help give a clear sense of scale, the stone wall shown in our photos measures approximately 265cm in height. We also use familiar garden tools as visual references: a digging fork (110cm tall) and a hand fork (30cm tall). These are included purely as size guides to help you better judge proportions when viewing the images.

Position: Sun, light shade or full shade

Rate of Growth: Slow to establish, then steady

Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; acid to neutral

Hardiness: Fully hardy

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Plant at a Glance