The climbing hydrangea is the only climber among hydrangeas. It is characterized by lush growth and good frost resistance. It can be planted next to walls, fences, it perfectly climbs tree trunks, and without a support it will be a ground cover plant. See what conditions it needs to be able to enjoy the beauty of this climber.
Climbing hydrangea likes shaded places. It can successfully climb the trunks of tall trees
Application and decorative qualities of climbing hydrangea
Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris)comes from Asia.It can be planted next to supports on which it climbs with sticky roots. Therefore, it does not require being tied to the support of the creeper. It can successfully climb walls, fences, and the trunks of large trees that twine around it. Sometimes it is also chosen as a climber for pergolas, which grows very nicely. Usually it reaches a height of 10 m, although after many years it can grow up to 20 m. Without a support, it can act as a cover plant. Climbing hydrangeas are also very good shade perennial climbers.
During the growing seasonthe shoots of the climbing hydrangeaare covered with dark green leaves. The leaves are ovate and the edges are jagged. They reach a length of up to 10 cm. In autumn they turn golden yellow, and after the leaves fall, the hydrangea shoots turn red, and therefore in winter the plant also has some advantages.
The greatest ornament of the climbing hydrangeais undoubtedly, however, its inflorescences, which can be admired from late May to July. The flowers are white, small, gathered in flat inflorescences. However, you usually have to wait about 4 years after planting for the first flowering.
It is also worth paying attention tofruits of climbing hydrangea- inconspicuous bags, developing from internal bisexual flowers. They do not have any decorative qualities, but they are food liked by birds. Therefore, it is worth planting a climbing hydrangea if you like the chirping of winged guests in the garden.
Growing climbing hydrangea
The climbing hydrangeais a species that is relatively easy to grow. It is especially important to choose the right position for them, thanks to which it should not cause major problems later. This plant grows best in semi-shaded or shady places, sheltered from winds, in humus, fertile, slightly acidic or acidic soils, and sufficiently moist. Before planting climbing hydrangea, the soil should be weeded and deeply dug. Young specimens are particularly susceptible to drought and require regular irrigation. This species is fully frost-resistant.
Whenplanting a climbing hydrangeanext to a tree that is to be entwined, proper fertilization is very important, because due to competition of trees, the soil can quickly run out of nutrients. Hydrangeas can be fertilized with well-decomposed compost or manure. Ready mixtures of mineral fertilizers for hydrangeas are also available for sale. All-purpose fertilizers will usually not be very good due to the fact that they have too much calcium, which the hydrangea does not like. An excess of calcium in the soil quickly leads to chlorosis (light discoloration) of the leaves. The fertilization of hydrangeas is carried out from spring to mid-July. Then we let the plant come to rest before winter.
Climbing hydrangeausually does not require pruning. If we want to limit its growth or shape it, the possible pruning of the climbing hydrangea can be carried out when it finishes flowering.
Propagation of climbing hydrangea . Like other hydrangea species, this one can be propagated by summer cuttings. In amateur conditions, however, the easiest way is through lay-ups.
