Likeother hydrangea varieties, it thrives in temperate weather, partial to full sun, and acidic soil.
Climbing Hydrangea Care
Here are the main care requirements for climbing hydrangea.
Light
Climbing hydrangea grows best infull sun to part shade.
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In sunny regions, double-check your plant is consistently and adequately watered.
Soil
Plant your climbing hydrangea in garden beds that contain rich, moist soil with good drainage.
Depleted beds may need amending withnutrient-dense compostbefore planting or transplanting.
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Water
Like other hydrangea plants, climbing hydrangea prefers consistently moist soil.
Additionally, climbing hydrangea vines only set buds if they experience at least six weeks of temperatures below 65F.
A sudden frost damages buds, impeding your plant’s flowering the following year.
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Fertilizer
Climbing hydrangeas are considered low-maintenancewhen fertilizingand do not need feeding during the first three years.
If so, use a10-10-10 productjust below the suggested amount on the label.
Start with the largest plants possible and prune dead and damaged branches yearly.
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Prune in late spring or early summer after it has finished blooming.
Once the plant is established, climbing hydrangea vigorously grows.
Tip
Cutting and drying hydrangea flowerheadsis a favorite pastime for seasoned gardeners.
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Climbing hydrangea is simple to propagate and transplant.
They require a good drenching before going dormant.
(In warmer zones, add compost when the weather starts to cool.)
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Next, apply a substantial layer of hardy mulch to keep the plant’s roots warm.
Climbing hydrangea faces similar issues to those of traditional hydrangea plants.
Because of the density of the foliage and blooms, this variety may become afflicted withpowdery mildewand leaf spot.
Bloom Months
Climbing hydrangea will begin to bloom in July and continue into the fall months.
Individual blooms typically last a few weeks and are replaced with new ones during the flowering season.
What Do Climbing Hydrangea Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The lacy blooms are typically white or off-white with four petals and bloom in clusters.
They have a heady, perfumy scent.
How to Encourage More Blooms
Climbing hydrangea’s foliage grows abundantly long before the plant flowers.
Once established, and after flowering, cut back hydrangea vines immediately before new buds appear.
Fertilizers with a high phosphorus count also help create beautiful blooms.
Common Problems With Climbing Hydrangea
Climbing hydrangea is relatively free of serious issues.
If the plant is left unpruned, its vigorous growth may cause problems.
Climbing hydrangea looks great in all four seasons.
In the spring, the bright green foliage climbs walls and trellises.
In the summer, abundant lacy blooms proliferate.
In the fall, the glossy leaves turn yellow with the change of seasons.
And in the winter, the shedding bark adds texture to barren gardens.
This plant is not appropriate for container gardening.
Yes, climbing hydrangea should be cut back to shape it and control the growth of the woody vines.
Climbing hydrangea yields only white and off-white flowers, whereas false hydrangea vine comes in many colors.
The two plants also have slightly different structures.
No, a climbing hydrangea can grow without a trellis.
The plant hasaerial rootsthat cling to other surfaces, such as brick, stone, or even wood.
Toxic and Non-toxic Plants, Hydrangea.ASPCA.
Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities Cooperative Extension.
