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Hydrangea petiolaris
climbing hydrangea
Japan, Korea, and the Russian island of Sakhalin; mountain forestsLearn more
Overview
Hydrangea petiolaris is climbing hydrangea (Japanese climbing hydrangea), a deciduous climbing vine reaching 20-40 feet (6-12 m) tall and 5-10 feet (1.5-3 m) wide. White lacecap flower heads 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) with small fertile flowers in the center and larger sterile florets at the perimeter in June-July — lightly fragrant. Glossy dark green broadly ovate leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) with heart-shaped base. Turns yellow in fall. Climbs by aerial rootlets (holdfasts). Peeling cinnamon-brown bark on mature stems. In Hydrangeaceae. Native to Japan and Korea. Slow to establish — typically 3-5 years of minimal growth before vigorous climbing begins. This slow establishment is the primary limitation. The aerial rootlets leave permanent marks on surfaces and can damage wood siding — use on masonry or stone only. Flower color is not affected by soil pH. Tolerates deep shade (blooms less). Not drought-tolerant. Deer-resistant. Toxic (cyanogenic glycosides). Zones 4-9. Part shade to full shade. Growth rate is slow initially, then fast once established.
Native Range
Native to Japan, Korea, and the Russian island of Sakhalin. Found in mountain forests.Suggested Uses
Grown on north-facing or east-facing masonry walls, stone chimneys, large tree trunks, and sturdy arbors. Tolerates deep shade. Do not use on wood siding (rootlet damage). Allow 3-5 years for establishment. Deer-resistant. Toxic. Zones 4-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 40'
Width/Spread5' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years
Bloom Information
Early summer (June-July). White lacecap flower heads 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) — fertile center flowers with peripheral sterile florets. Lightly fragrant. 4 weeks of bloom. Blooms on old wood. Bee-visited.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, in large flat lacecap heads 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) with small fertile flowers in the center and larger sterile florets at the perimeter; lightly fragrantFoliage Description
Glossy dark green, broadly ovate with heart-shaped base, coarsely serrated, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long; turns yellow in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-8 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part shade to full shade (1-8 hours — tolerates deep shade but blooms less). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.0. Not drought-tolerant. Provide a sturdy masonry or stone climbing surface — aerial rootlets damage wood siding. Slow to establish (3-5 years). Blooms on old wood — prune after flowering (July-August). Deer-resistant. Toxic. Zones 4-9.Pruning
Prune after flowering (July-August) if needed — blooms on old wood. Keep the vine within bounds by trimming extending shoots. Can become very heavy on mature specimens — ensure the climbing surface is sturdy. The peeling bark on mature stems is a feature — do not remove.Pruning Schedule
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