Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris, climbing hydrangea
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Vines & Groundcovers

Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris

climbing hydrangea

Hydrangeaceae

Japan, Korea, Sakhalin Island (Russia)

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 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Fragrant (light)
Maintenancelow

Overview

A deciduous, self-clinging climbing vine reaching 30-80 feet (9-24 m) on a suitable support structure, or spreading as a groundcover 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) tall over open ground. Stems attach to surfaces by means of small aerial rootlets. Bark on mature stems is brown and exfoliating, peeling in curling strips. Leaves are broadly ovate, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, dark green, with finely serrated margins and cordate bases; petioles are 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long. Foliage turns yellow in autumn before dropping. Flower heads are flat-topped lacecap corymbs 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) across, composed of small, fertile central flowers surrounded by showy sterile florets with 4 white petals each, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across. Flowering occurs in June-July. Growth is slow in the first 3-5 years; thereafter stems extend 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) per year. Does not flower reliably until 3-5 years after establishment.

Native Range

Native to Japan, Korea, and Sakhalin Island (Russia), growing in moist, forested mountain slopes, forest margins, and rocky cliff faces at elevations up to 6,600 feet (2,000 m). Found climbing on large trees and rock outcroppings in humid, shaded to semi-shaded conditions.

Suggested Uses

Commonly trained on north- or east-facing walls, large trees, pergolas, and masonry structures. Grows as a groundcover on slopes at 5-8 foot (1.5-2.4 m) spacing. Not suitable for lightweight trellises or structures that cannot support significant weight; mature vines can weigh several hundred pounds.

How to Identify

Stems produce small aerial rootlets that adhere directly to surfaces without needing to twine. Leaves are broadly ovate, dark green, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, with finely toothed margins and a heart-shaped base. Lacecap flower heads 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) across appear in June-July, with white sterile florets surrounding smaller fertile flowers. The exfoliating brown bark on mature stems is also distinctive. No other commonly cultivated hydrangea climbs by means of adhesive rootlets.

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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D
Summer
Flowers in June and July in zones 4-7. In warmer zones (8), bloom may begin in late May and finish by late June. The lacecap flower heads last 3-4 weeks on the plant; dried flower clusters persist into winter. New transplants and young plants typically do not flower for the first 3-5 years. Plants shaded too heavily may not flower regardless of age.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White lacecap flower heads with sterile outer florets surrounding fertile inner flowers

Foliage Description

Dark green, broadly ovate, with finely serrated margins; yellow in autumn

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Full 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
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-10 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade to full sun. Full sun accelerates establishment and flowering but requires consistent moisture; plants in full sun in zones 6-8 need supplemental water during dry periods of more than 1 week. Water weekly for the first 2 years; established plants tolerate brief dry periods but wilt visibly when soil moisture drops significantly. Avoid planting against masonry or wood walls where moisture damage may be a concern, as rootlets can penetrate cracks and porous surfaces. Mulch 3 inches (8 cm) deep to retain soil moisture. No fertilization is needed in organically rich soils; apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring on poor soils. Powdery mildew may develop in dry summers with warm nights; it is cosmetic only.

Pruning

Prune after flowering in July or August to shape and remove any dead stems; pruning in late winter removes flower buds. Remove dead or damaged stems at any time. Young plants should not be pruned for the first 3-4 years to encourage establishment. Long, wayward shoots extending beyond the desired area can be cut back after flowering. Hard rejuvenation is possible if growth becomes too dense; cut the entire vine to within 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) of the ground in late winter; expect no flowers for 2-3 years afterward.

Pruning Schedule

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summer

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets
Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris (climbing hydrangea) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef