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Hydrangea integrifolia
evergreen climbing hydrangea
Southern and central China, Taiwan, Philippines, Myanmar, northern VietnamLearn more
Overview
An evergreen climbing hydrangea reaching 15–30 feet (4.5–9 m) in height when given a suitable support structure, spreading 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 m) wide against a wall. Stems attach via aerial rootlets similar to those of Hedera species, adhering to masonry, wood, and rough bark. Leaves are opposite, simple, oval to elliptic, 3–6 inches (8–15 cm) long and 1.5–3 inches (4–8 cm) wide, dark glossy green above, paler beneath, with entire (untoothed) margins—a distinguishing trait from the deciduous Hydrangea petiolaris, which has serrated leaves. New growth emerges with a bronze-green tint in spring, maturing to dark green. Lacecap-type inflorescences appear in late spring to early summer, composed of tiny fertile flowers in the center surrounded by a ring of 4–5 larger sterile florets, each 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across, white to cream-colored. Flower clusters measure 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in diameter. Growth rate is slow for the first 2–3 years while the root system establishes, then moderate once attached. Foliage may suffer burn in temperatures below 10°F (−12°C) or in exposed, windy sites. Not as cold-hardy as Hydrangea petiolaris; marginal in zone 7a without a sheltered microclimate.
Native Range
Native to southern and central China, Taiwan, and the Philippines, where it grows as an epiphyte or lithophyte in subtropical montane forests at elevations of 2,000–6,500 feet (600–2,000 m). Also reported from parts of Myanmar and northern Vietnam.Suggested Uses
Commonly used on north- or east-facing masonry walls, mature trees with rough bark, and stone retaining walls in shaded to partially shaded sites. Provides year-round foliar cover on otherwise bare vertical surfaces. Can be grown as a spreading groundcover without support, reaching 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 m) tall and spreading indefinitely, though flowering is reduced in prostrate form.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 30'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Flowers from late May through July in zones 8–9, with peak bloom in June. Individual inflorescences persist for 2–3 weeks; total bloom period extends 4–6 weeks. Flowering occurs primarily on previous year's growth. Young plants may take 3–5 years before producing flowers. Bloom is reduced in deep shade or on plants heavily pruned the previous season.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to creamFoliage Description
Dark glossy green above, paler beneath; new growth bronze-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Water regularly during the first two growing seasons—approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week in the absence of rain—to support root establishment and aerial rootlet attachment. Established plants tolerate moderate drought but flower production decreases during prolonged dry spells. Provide a sheltered site protected from cold, drying winter winds; foliage may scorch below 10°F (−12°C). Mulch the root zone with 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) of organic mulch, keeping it 3 inches (8 cm) from the stem base. Requires no supplemental feeding in most soils; overfertilization promotes vegetative growth at the expense of flowering. Monitor for scale insects on stems and leaf undersides; heavy infestations cause sooty mold. Spider mites may appear in hot, dry conditions.Pruning
Prune immediately after flowering in mid to late summer to preserve next year's flower buds, which form on old wood. Remove outward-growing branches that project too far from the support surface, cutting back to a side branch or the main stem. Limit pruning to no more than one-third of the plant's growth in a single season. Neglected plants can be renovation-pruned in late winter, but flowering will be sacrificed for 1–2 seasons.Pruning Schedule
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