Hydrangea anomala petiolaris

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris

• Common Name: Climbing Hydrangea

• Plant Type: Deciduous woody climber

• Origin: Native to Japan, Korea, and the Russian Far East

• Growth Habit: Vigorous, self-clinging climber that attaches to walls, fences, or tree trunks using aerial roots. Can reach 12–15 metres in height when mature.

• Foliage: Large, heart-shaped green leaves that turn yellow in autumn before falling.

• Flowers: Large, flat, lacecap-style heads up to 20 cm across, with tiny central fertile flowers surrounded by showy white sterile bracts.

• Flowering Period: Typically blooms from late spring to midsummer (June–July).

• Seasonal Interest: Spring and summer flowers, bright autumn foliage, and attractive peeling bark in winter.

• Garden Uses: Excellent for north- and east-facing walls, shaded fences, trellises, pergolas, or growing up large trees. Works well in woodland gardens and shaded courtyards.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Thrives in partial to full shade; will tolerate morning or dappled sunlight but avoid strong afternoon sun in hot locations.

• Soil Preferences: Fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

• pH Range: Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0–7.0).

• Moisture Needs: Requires consistently moist soil, especially during its establishment period and in summer droughts.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or autumn, avoiding extremes of temperature.

• Spacing: Allow space for eventual spread—can extend 3–5 metres wide.

• Support Needs: Will climb without tying, but early growth may benefit from gentle training until aerial roots attach.

• Shelter Needs: Tolerates wind but performs best in a sheltered position protected from severe winter gales.

• Companion Planting: Combines well with shade-loving plants such as hostas, ferns, and hellebores.

• Container Growing: Possible in large, deep containers with sturdy supports, though it will be slower-growing than in open ground.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep soil evenly moist during the first few years and during prolonged dry periods.

  • Avoid waterlogging.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring.

  • Mulch annually with well-rotted compost or leaf mould to improve soil structure and retain moisture.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning is required; remove dead or damaged stems in late winter or early spring.

  • If necessary, lightly trim after flowering to control size.

• Mulching: Apply a 5–8 cm layer in spring, keeping mulch away from the base of the stems to prevent rot.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest- and disease-free; occasional aphid infestations may occur but are rarely severe.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy; however, flower buds may be damaged by late frosts—plant in a frost-sheltered spot if possible.

• Weed Control: Keep the planting area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

• Longevity: Very long-lived and low-maintenance once established; capable of thriving for decades in the right conditions.

• Size
  C2 - square + cane

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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