Climbing Hydrangea
Hydrangea anomala “petiolaris” and Schizophragma hydrangeoides are both in the hydrangea family and many times called the same – climbing hydrangea. Although, sometimes the schizogphragma is referred to as “false climbing hydrangea”.
H. anomala flower
Schizophragma flower
At Plant Specialists, we use both but for different spots in a garden. The petiolaris offers better coverage because of its long extending side branches with areal roots. Zchizophragma tends to grow very flat and upright, which is better suited for a tall narrow space. The holdfasts (suckers) on their branches, allow them to scale structures without the use of a trellis.
Air roots
Both provide all of the beauty of a traditional hydrangea bush – but in a trailing habit good for covering walls or fences. They are native to wooded forests, streams and shaded mountain slopes of Japan, China and South Korea. Not well adapted to dry heat or desert regions. It has excellent frost tolerance, but tends to burn or scorch in full afternoon sun.
Flowers are a white lacy bloom cap and the lush green leaves are oval. The dried flower heads and reddish brown, peeling bark are attractive in winter too! They need to be established before they bloom as they flower only from old wood.
Climbing hydrangea plants grow very slowly and may take up to three to five years just to reach the flowering stage. Just be careful where you plant it, as all parts of hydrangeas are toxic to dogs and cats.
Perfect coverage !
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Article written by our Staff Horticulturist, Peter B Morris, BSc, MSc, MBA
All photographs used with permission @SHUTTERSTOCK
