HYDRANGEA PETIOLARIS (NL)

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Hydrangea petiolaris

• Common Name: Climbing Hydrangea

• Plant Type: Deciduous, self-clinging climbing shrub

• Growth Habit: Vigorous, woody climber that can reach 10–15 metres in height with a spread of up to 5 metres once mature. Clings to walls, fences, and tree trunks using aerial roots.

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

• Flowers: Large, flattened clusters of small, creamy-white blooms with showy outer florets surrounding tiny fertile flowers in the centre.

• Flowering Period: June to July, with blooms often lasting into early autumn.

• Seasonal Interest: Attractive bark in winter, lush green foliage in summer, striking flower displays in early summer, and golden autumn leaf colour.

• Garden Uses: Ideal for covering walls, fences, pergolas, or large tree trunks. Also works as a ground cover for banks or slopes.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK and Ireland.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Thrives in partial to full shade, making it perfect for north- or east-facing walls, though it will also grow in sunnier locations if the soil is kept moist.

• Soil Preferences: Fertile, well-drained soil that retains some moisture. Enrich with organic matter before planting for best results.

• pH Range: Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 5.5–7.0).

• Moisture Needs: Consistent moisture is important, especially during the establishment period and in warmer months.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or autumn so roots can establish before extremes of heat or cold.

• Spacing: Allow sufficient space for mature spread; plant at least 60 cm away from walls to allow root development.

• Support Needs: Although self-clinging, young plants may need light training and tying in to help them attach to surfaces.

• Companion Planting: Pairs well with shade-tolerant ground covers like ferns, hostas, and heucheras, which complement its lush summer foliage.

• Container Growing: Generally better suited to open ground due to its eventual size and vigour.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep soil evenly moist, particularly during dry spells and in the first two years after planting.

  • Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant but still benefit from watering in prolonged dry periods.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring.

  • For richer blooms, feed again in early summer with a high-potash fertiliser.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning is needed—remove any dead, damaged, or overcrowded stems in late winter or early spring.

  • After flowering, lightly trim to control size or train into the desired shape.

• Mulching: Apply a 5–8 cm layer of compost or well-rotted manure around the base in spring to conserve moisture and improve soil quality.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free, though occasional leaf spot or mildew can occur—ensure good airflow and avoid waterlogging.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy and does not require protection; mulch base in colder regions to help retain soil warmth and moisture.

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

• Longevity: A long-lived plant that, once established, will reliably cover structures and provide decades of seasonal interest with minimal maintenance.

• Size
  1 lt

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)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.