Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris, climbing hydrangea
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Vines

Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris

climbing hydrangea

Hydrangeaceae
Japan, Korea, and Sakhalin Island (Russia); moist mountain forests, climbing on large trees and rocky outcrops

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At a Glance

TypeVine
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height30-80 feet (9-24 m)
Width5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m)
Maturity10 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsFragrant (light)
Maintenancelow

Overview

Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris is climbing hydrangea, a deciduous climbing vine growing 30-80 feet (9-24 m) tall and 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m) wide per stem. White lacecap flower heads 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) with showy sterile outer florets surrounding tiny fertile inner flowers in June-July (4 weeks). Lightly fragrant. Dark green broadly ovate finely serrate leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm); yellow fall color. In Hydrangeaceae. Petiolaris = with petioles. Climbs by aerial rootlets — self-clinging to masonry, wood, and tree bark without a trellis. Slow to establish — typically 3-5 years of minimal growth before vigorous climbing. This very slow establishment period is the primary limitation. Exfoliating cinnamon-brown bark on mature stems. The aerial rootlets can damage painted surfaces and soft mortar. Native to Japan, Korea, and Sakhalin Island. Not drought-tolerant. Contains hydrangin — toxic to cats and dogs. Deer browse. Zones 4-8. Part shade to full sun or full shade. Growth rate is slow initially, then fast.

Native Range

Native to Japan, Korea, and Sakhalin Island (Russia). Found in moist mountain forests, climbing on large trees and rocky outcrops.

Suggested Uses

Grown on masonry walls, large trees, pergolas, and fences, spaced 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m). Self-clinging. Lacecap flowers. Exfoliating bark. Slow to establish. Toxic to pets. Zones 4-8.

How to Identify

Identified by white lacecap flower heads (sterile outer florets + fertile inner center) on a self-clinging deciduous vine that climbs by aerial rootlets with exfoliating cinnamon-brown bark. The self-clinging aerial rootlets and the lacecap flower heads are diagnostic. In Hydrangeaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height30' - 80'
Width/Spread5' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Summer
Early to midsummer (June-July). White lacecap flower heads 6-10 inches (15-25 cm). Sterile outer florets surrounding fertile inner cluster. Lightly fragrant. 4 weeks. Bee-visited. Dried flower heads persist.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White lacecap flower heads 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) across — a ring of showy sterile outer florets 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) surrounding a flat cluster of tiny fertile inner flowers; lightly fragrant

Foliage Description

Dark green, broadly ovate with finely serrated margins, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm); glossy above; yellow fall color

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full SunPartial ShadeFull Shade
Requires 2-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-10 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Part shade to full sun or full shade (2-8 hours). Moist soil pH 5.5-7.5. Not drought-tolerant. Self-clinging by aerial rootlets — no trellis needed. Slow to establish (3-5 years). Aerial rootlets can damage painted surfaces. Prune immediately after flowering. Toxic to pets (hydrangin). Deer browse. Zones 4-8.

Pruning

Prune immediately after flowering (July-August) — flower buds form on previous year's wood. Remove unwanted growth and maintain desired coverage. The vine becomes heavy — ensure the support structure is sound.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets