Climbing Hydrangea Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris - Hardy plant

Prior to planting make sure the root ball of the Hydrangea anomala subsp. Petiolaris is well-moistened by soaking in a bucket of lukewarm water. Prepare a suitable hole in good, loose soil and plant the root ball of the Hydrangea at the correct depth in the hole. The top of the root ball should be just slightly below ground level. Fill the hole with soil, press firmly down and water immediately after planting.

Climbing hydrangea also grows well in large planters. Make sure that there are holes in the base to allow for adequate drainage. Moist soil Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris will thrive in fairly moist, humus-rich soil - improve poor soil with the addition of compost or well rotted manure.

A spot in the (part)shade is preferred. Full sun is fine as long as the soil stays moist. The soil should be moist if planting in a pot and you must make sure there is good drainage or the plant may die.

Water your Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris on a regular basis during dry periods as they are not tolerant of dry soil. Add plant food for flowering plants to the water once a month between March and July. In early spring the hydrangea will benefit from adding a little granulated cow manure around the base.

Climbing hydrangeas are self climbers but the young plants do require a little help at the start. Place some trellis or wires behind the plant to support them at the beginning and they will soon find their own way. The suckers they use to attach themselves with will not damage walls. Pruning Climbing Hydrangea Hydrangea flowers appear on last year's branches. If you prune during the spring, no flowers will appear that year. Pruning is not absolutely necessary unless the plant becomes too large. If you do prune, cut the branches back by 1/3rd. You will have fewer flowers during that year, but the flowers will bloom normally during the second year.

Completely cut back all dead branches. Carefully cut off all dead flowers in the winter (late February or early March) taking care not to remove the new topmost buds.

The climbing Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris has fairly flat white flower heads. In the centre there are small closed flowers which are fertile and on the outer edge they are larger with more open petals that are sterile.

This climbing hydrangea will even flourish on a North facing wall! It is a slow grower but will reach 4 metres high over ten years.

Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris is attractive practically the whole year round. An asset to any garden!