Hydrangea petiolaris, climbing hydrangea
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Vines & Groundcovers

Hydrangea petiolaris

climbing hydrangea

HydrangeaceaeAsia

At a Glance

TypeVine
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height20–40 feet (6–12 m)
Width5–10 feet (1.5–3 m)
Maturity12 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Fragrant (light)
Maintenancelow

Overview

Hydrangea petiolaris (syn. H. anomala subsp. petiolaris), commonly called climbing hydrangea, is a large, self-clinging deciduous vine in the family Hydrangeaceae native to forests and rocky cliff faces in Japan, Korea, and northeastern China. It is one of the most ornamentally valuable and versatile climbing plants for Pacific Northwest gardens, capable of ascending walls, fences, tree trunks, and rocky slopes by means of short aerial rootlets that attach firmly to rough surfaces without mechanical support. Plants grow slowly for the first two to five years while establishing a root system, then develop with greater vigor, eventually reaching 40–80 feet (12–24 m) on large supports in ideal conditions — though 20–30 feet (6–9 m) is more typical in Pacific Northwest gardens over fifteen to twenty years. In early summer (June–July), the vine is covered with large, flat lacecap-type flower heads 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) across with small fertile flowers centrally and larger white sterile florets at the perimeter. The broadly ovate, glossy dark green leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) turn yellow in autumn. Distinctive exfoliating bark — peeling in thin cinnamon-brown strips — provides year-round ornamental interest on mature stems. One of the few flowering vines that performs reliably in shade.

Native Range

Native to moist forests, cliff faces, and rocky slopes in Japan (Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku), Korea, northeastern China, and Sakhalin Island, growing in humus-rich, well-drained soils in full shade to partial sun. Not native to North America.

Suggested Uses

Climbing hydrangea is one of the most useful and beautiful large-scale climbing plants for Pacific Northwest walls, fences, large trees, and rocky slopes. Its shade tolerance makes it the premier choice for north- and east-facing walls where almost no other flowering vine performs reliably. A Great Plant Pick for Pacific Northwest gardens. Outstanding on brick garden walls, rough-textured stone retaining walls, large tree trunks, and shaded pergola uprights. Allow substantial clearance from gutters and rooflines — mature plants are powerful.

How to Identify

Climbing hydrangea is identified by its self-clinging climbing habit using short aerial rootlets, broadly ovate to roundish, coarsely serrated, glossy dark green leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) with a heart-shaped base, and large flat lacecap flower heads 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) across with central fertile flowers and peripheral white sterile florets in June–July. On mature stems, the exfoliating, cinnamon-brown, papery bark is diagnostic in all seasons. Distinguished from Schizophragma hydrangeoides by its sterile florets having four broad sepals (not one large sepal as in Schizophragma), and by its opposite leaf arrangement.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height20' - 40'
Width/Spread5' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Summer
Climbing hydrangea blooms in early to mid-summer, typically June through July in Pacific Northwest gardens, over three to four weeks. Large, flat lacecap flower heads 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) across are produced along the previous season's branches in profusion on established plants. Flowers are lightly fragrant and attract native bees. Plants in deep shade flower less prolifically than those receiving at least a few hours of direct sun or bright indirect light. Young plants (under five years) may not flower at all during the establishment period.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White; large flat lacecap heads 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) with small fertile flowers centrally and larger sterile florets with 4 broad sepals at perimeter; lightly fragrant

Foliage Description

Broadly ovate, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm), coarsely serrated, glossy dark green; heart-shaped base; yellow in autumn

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Full Shade
Tolerates up to 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 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loampeat
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10–15 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial shade to full sun in moist, well-drained, humus-rich, moderately fertile soil. Climbing hydrangea is notably shade-tolerant — one of the very few flowering vines that blooms on north-facing walls, though it flowers most prolifically with at least a few hours of direct sun or bright indirect light. Water regularly for the first three to five years; once established it is more self-sufficient. Provide a rough-surfaced support — brick, rough stone, bark-on-wood — for the aerial rootlets to grip. Do not be discouraged by slow establishment: the first two to four years may show minimal top growth while roots develop. Once settled, growth accelerates markedly.

Pruning

Minimal pruning needed in most situations — established plants develop attractive layered branching naturally. If size control is needed, prune immediately after flowering (July–August) to avoid cutting next year's flower buds. Remove dead or damaged stems in early spring. Do not prune hard into old wood — regrowth is slow. On walls, trim back lateral shoots in late summer to keep the vine within bounds.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans