climbing hydrangea as ground cover

Climbing hydrangea is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 8. Her home-and-garden and nature articles have appeared in "Birds & Blooms" and "Alamance Today." Climbing hydrangea is an informal, three-dimensional vine that often has side shoots growing in several directions. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Climbing Hydrangea, Hydrangea anomala petiolaris, Seeds (Vine/Ground Cover) (50) $10.99 $ 10. Newly planted climbing hydrangea vines are slow to grow and slow to bloom. You can plant climbing hydrangea in spring or fall. Make sure the plant sits in the ground at the same level as it did in the container. 99. These plants, while not reaching incredible height, manage to grow in height leaning against a support reaching up to a … If grown as a ground cover, Climbing Hydrangea can cover up to 200 square feet once established If grown as a ground cover it can cover up to 200 square feet once established. It grows as ground cover and can cover an area of up to two hundred square feet! Some gardeners like to use a climbing hydrangea as ground cover in their moon gardens. It can also be grown as ground cover in a shaded woodland garden, where it will eventually grow over an area of 20 square metres. The Greek root hydr- in the name, hydrangea refers to water, and angeon comes from the Greek for "vessel.". Fragrant, white flowers bloom in 6- to 8-inch clusters in late spring and summer. Trim them back in summer, after flowering. The climbing hydrangea on the wall started to stretch out in its third year in this spot. The vines grow quickly once established but it may be three to five years before you see flowers. It’s worth keeping the size and attachment method in mind when choosing a spot for this vine. Working powdered sulfur into the soil corrects the problem. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage. Dig a hole as deep as the container in which the plant was previously grown and about three times its width. Climbing hydrangea can also be used as ground covers, and they will take root where their suckers make contact with the ground. If grown as a ground cover, it can spread up to 200 square feet. The growing potential of the climbing hydrangea makes it an effective ground cover. It grows happily on the north side in full shade. Hydrangea anomala, commonly known as climbing hydrangea, is a vigorous, sprawling, deciduous, woody vine that clings and climbs by twining and aerial rootlets along the stems, typically maturing over time to 30-40’ long.Horizontal lateral branching often extends several feet beyond supporting structures. Hydrangea anomala, commonly known as climbing hydrangea, is a vigorous, sprawling, deciduous, woody vine that clings and climbs by twining and aerial rootlets along the stems, typically maturing over time to 30-40’ long. This helps the plant to spread and fill in an area, cutting down on weed growth. The fertile flowers may also produce seed pods for propagating, if desired. Because it flowers, it can make shady locations colorful and pretty. Plant Climbing Hydrangea in partial sun to partial shade in moist to wet fertile acidic soils. I have rooted the hydrangea from a clipping three years ago. The leaves cover the plant from top to bottom making it ideal to hide fences or buildings or use as privacy or screening plant. Climbing hydrangeas are notorious for their slowness in establishing themselves. You don't see climbing hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris) as often as the shrub types, but it is one of the more spectacular members of the hydrangea family. The leaves turn yellow when the pH is too high. petiolaris Hardiness Zones 4 to 8 Height 30 to 50 feet Width 5 to 6 feet Flowers Late spring to early summer: white, lacecap, fragrant Light Full sun to part shade Soil Moist, well-drained, cool Planting & Care. You can leave drying flower clusters on the vine after they bloom, and they will keep their shape and add interest, even after the foliage begins to fall. The plants can also be pruned and maintained in shrub form. The plant isn't particular about the soil as long as it is well-drained and not too alkaline. A full-grown climbing hydrangea vine may be up to 75 feet tall and it is covered with attractive, heart-shaped leaves throughout spring and summer. They vines attach with a sticky substance and do not grow into the mortar or cracks between bricks. You may be able to improve the performance with a light monthly side dressing or foliar spray. Jackie Carroll has been a freelance writer since 1995. Its peeling chestnut-colored bark is handsome in winter, and the large, serrated green leaves create a beautiful curtain to soften blank walls, or cover old fences. The first two years were very slow growing, and had no blooms. Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) The candytuft plant (Iberis sempervirens) is truly dazzling, with its … Climbing Hydrangea can take a couple of years to establish itself in the landscape, so it requires a bit of patience. These lace caps can be 5 inches or more in width and are composed of showy flowers on the outside and less-than-showy flowers on the inside. Trees and walls make good supports. Hydrangea Fertilizers by E Z-GRO 21-7-7 with Added Aluminum Sulfate to Produce Blue Flowers | EZ-gro Hydrangea Fertilizer is Also an Excellent Rhododendron Fertilizer and Azalea Fertilizer | 1 qt. I now have a great specimen growing on brick, in the full sun. It can take newly transplanted climbing hydrangea vines a year or two to become established, so don't give up on them too soon. Climbing hydrangeas need 1 inch of water a week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. Hydrangea petiolaris is a vigorous woody climbing vine plant, growing to 30 to 50 ft (9 to 15 m) height and 5 to 6 ft (2 to 2 m) wide. In early July, it has flat, lacy clusters of fragrant small white flowers that show up well against the glossy green leaves. This helps the plant to spread and fill in an area, cutting down on weed growth. The climbing hydrangea climbs up to 30 to 40 feet high.The Petiolaris anomala Hydrangea is a beautiful vigorous woody climbing vine like plant.Hydrangea vines can be planted to climb trees, arbors, trellises, masonry walls, rocks and fences. Set the plant in the hole so the crown, or the area where the roots meet the stem, is at ground level. The Climbing Hydrangea The climbing hydrangea is a lovely vine grower that flowers. It also has the potential to drape itself beautifully over the side of walls (as seen here, next to the steps) or along steep embankments as a ground cover. When they dry out, the flower heads turn reddish-brown. Without climbing help, the climbing hortensia grows into a hemispherical and wide shrub and can also serve as a ground cover. Once a mature vine has covered a brick surface, cracks can always develop in the mortar, and the vines may hide the damage or make access difficult for repairs. Because they are also salt-tolerant plants, the climbing hydrangea is popular in seaside communities. Once the plants are established, climbing hydrangea tends to be vigorous growers and may need pruning in summer to keep them under control, if desired. Newly transplanted plants take a year or two to start major growth, 3 to 5 years for first flowering. Climbing hydrangea can also be used as ground covers, taking root where the suckers make contact with the ground and filling in the area. The climbing hydrangea is a fantastic specimen. The leaves are deciduous, ovate, 4–11 cm long and 3–8 cm broad, with a heart-shaped base, coarsely serrated margin and acute apex. It grows up trees and rock faces in its native Asian habitats, climbing by means of small aerial roots on the stems. Climbing hydrangea can be utilized as a low growing ground cover, a low, dense shrub, or a vine. Climbing hydrangeas. The Climbing Hydrangea is that rare thing – a self-supporting climbing plant to cover a shady wall with foliage and flowers. The bark of this plant could be used as a paper substitute. Propagate it from softwood cuttings as it is quite difficult to grow from seed. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our, Concerns About Climbing Hydrangea on Walls, 6 Best Perennial Flowering Vines and Climbers, Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea Plant Profile, How to Grow and Care for Velvet Banana Trees. For surfaces like shingles, siding, and clapboards there is a concern that the weight of the vines might loosen them, and you won't be able to paint the surface without removing the vines. Only 3 left in stock - order soon. When to Prune a … Among the many varieties of hydrangea that we can grow, there are also climbing hydrangeas, obviously very appreciated for their ability to grow vertically. WARNING: Luc Balemans, a hydrangea expert in Belgium, warns that some winter covers (similar to the one at the left) may rub the ends off the branches in windy weather and, in turn, rub off the bloom buds. Pruning can control this, but this can be difficult on a multistory home. Plant climbing hydrangea in early spring after all threat of frost has passed. A 2-inch layer of compost in spring provides enough nutrients to support the plant all season. The climbing hydrangea has glossy lime-green leaves with a heart-shaped base that turn gradually bright buttery yellow in autumn … It can be damaged by sunburn and prefers daytime temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures around 60 degrees. Some gardeners make use of the plant's white flowers in moon gardens. The vines have strong tendrils that form a firm attachment to almost any type of structure. You can grow climbing hydrangea vines to climb up trees, garden arbors, trellises, pergolas, or fences. The vines don't need routine pruning except to correct problems. Relatively few hardy flowering vines tolerate shade, but climbing hydrangea is one of them. As with other hydrangea plants, this species likes constantly moist soil. This subspecies produces longer stems and larger flower clusters, and has better winter hardiness. This vine also can be used as a ground cover. Climbing Hydrangea Vines. Plants start off a bit slowly, but 1-2 years of patience is well paid-off after they become established! If this is a problem for your region, use hosta plants instead. Cover with soil and pack the earth down around the roots. Although slow to establish, the Climbing Hydrangea is easy-to-grow, carefree and very long lived. It does best with afternoon shade. During hot summers they may need watering more often. The brittle stems break and crack easily, and you should remove damaged parts promptly to prevent disease. Read on to learn about climbing hydrangea pruning. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Climbing hortensias can reach a height of up to 15 metres on trellises, walls and walls, but initially grow rather slowly. The subsecies petiolaris (formerly known as Hydrangea petiolaris) is native to eastern Siberia, Japan, China and South Korea. It's flower is a delicate, white lacecap. The flower clusters consist of a central mass of tiny, fertile flowers surrounded by a ring of larger, infertile flowers. These plants are true climbers, using the holdfasts (suckers) on their branches to scale walls and other structures. A more versatile vine for shade is climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala ssp. The Climbing Hydrangea is that rare thing – a self-supporting climbing plant to cover a shady wall with foliage and flowers. In fact, in hot climates, they actually prefer a location with at least partial shade. The leaves are a medium-green color during the summer and turn yellowish in autumn. Hydrangea anomala is native to wooded valleys, stream banks and mountain slopes in the Himalayas and China. In summer, its flat-topped, creamy-white flowers put on a quite a show. Don’t expect it to respect a pretty 4- by 6-foot trellis because it will eat that for lunch. Climbing hydrangea is a spectacular plant, but it has a rambunctious nature and get easily get out of control if you aren’t careful. The third year this plant has taken hold very well. Granular fertilizer with a high phosphorous count will create beautiful blooms on your hydrangeas. Climbing Hydrangea Botanical Name Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris). But it is a much larger plant than … A charming stone spring house marks the end of the side yard garden. Climbing Hydrangea is a multi-stemmed deciduous woody vine with a twining and trailing habit of growth. Design Considerations. Also, perfect as a garden ground cover, the climbing Hydrangea produces masses of off white flowers in early summer. How to Grow Moonflower in Hanging Baskets, How to Care for a Purple Queen Bougainvillea, University of California Integrated Pest Management Program: Invasive Plants, Missouri Botanical Garden: Hydrangea Anomala Subsp. Hydrangea anomala subsp. Climbing hydrangeas that do get more sun tend to bloom better. These all-important bloom buds on branch ends should be protected with a layer of leaves or other material before covering. Climbing hydrangea can also be used as ground covers, and they will take root where their suckers make contact with the ground. Some gardeners cut off the dried flower heads for use in crafts. A sudden frost can damage the buds and you may not see flowers the next year. More generally, the problem with growing vines up a house wall is that it will eventually get into areas where you do not want it, such as gutters. Trellises must be sturdy to support the massive vines. Because the vines become so large and heavy over time, be sure that the host structure can support the weight of the vines. Noteworthy Characteristics. Petiolaris. Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. FREE Shipping. Trees and walls make good supports. Keep the soil moist, but don't water so often the soil becomes mushy or soggy. It, too, can be used as a ground cover. The vines commonly don't bloom until they are three to five years old. The plants' peeling bark provides some winter interest. This sticky stuff can be hard to clean off if you want to remove the vine. Climbing hydrangea is deciduous and can grow as either a woody climbing vine or voluminous ground cover (5). Place it where it will get watered about 1 inch weekly, or even more often in hot weather. Periwinkles are another invasive plant. Climbing Hydrangea is a vigorous grower that thrives in full shade to part shade conditions & is not troubled by pests or diseases. Petiolaris However, these plants are not grown for their fall-foliage color. Climbing hydrangeas are flowering deciduous vines. The plants' peeling bark provides some winter interest. Give Hydrangea fertile, moist, well drained soil. This also holds true when used as a ground cover. It will set buds only if there are six weeks of temperatures below 65 degrees. Water generously after planting but don't fertilize until the following spring. You can leave climbing hydrangea to run along the ground as a ground cover, but it looks its best when it’s climbing. There there is not much you can do about it other than to start out with the largest plants possible—of course, you will pay extra at the garden center for larger plants. Description. Fertilize this plant in the spring before the leaves begin to bud. Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch to help retain water in the ground around the root zone. This plant does very well in many locations, especially those with lower levels of light, where other vines would wither and die. Climbing hydrangea is a good replacement vine for English ivy (Hedera helix), which is an invasive species in many parts of the country. She holds a Bachelor of Science in medical technology from the University of North Carolina. Its peeling chestnut-colored bark is handsome in winter, and the large, serrated green leaves create a beautiful curtain to soften blank walls, or cover old fences. One plant can cover approximately 200 square feet at its largest size. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Rodale's Landscape Problem Solver; Jeff Ball, et al. Elsewhere, they typically will do alright in more sunny areas, if adequately watered. The most widely held opinion seems to be that they are safe for brick surfaces as long as the brick's mortar is in good shape. Plant climbing hydrangea in soil that drains well and contains plenty of compost. Climbing hydrangea is a deciduous vine that grows 30 to 50 feet, climbing by clinging to structures with aerial rootlets. Best sited on a North or East facing location; Slow to establish Don't grow the vine against clapboard walls because the tendrils can pull them loose, and avoid walls that need periodic maintenance because the vines don't detach easily. These large plants sometimes reaching 50 feet tall or more at maturity. Horizontal lateral branching often extends several feet beyond supporting structures. Some gardeners make use of the plant's white flowers in moon gardens. You can also fertilize again after the flowers have bloomed in the summer. I'm hoping to get a few blooms this year, or the next. Pruning climbing hydrangeas isn’t difficult and will keep the vines looking their best. Climbing hydrangea is a handsome woody vine that clings and climbs by attaching itself with tiny rootlets to a wall, trellis, or other support. Vines that are allowed to grow beyond their support become top-heavy and may pull away from the support or break. In early summer, they produce fragrant, lacy ("lace-cap"), flat-topped, white flower heads. The leaves fall in autumn, revealing a showy, reddish-brown, exfoliating bark. You can leave climbing hydrangea to run along the ground as a ground cover, but it looks its best when it’s climbing. Climbers as ground cover is nothing new – ivy’s ability to spread across a forest floor, creating a weed-suppressing blanket, has long been used by municipal planters to clothe steep banks … Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Climbing hydrangea vines have been known to reach heights of 50 feet or more, assuming they have a tall enough structure to climb up. There is some debate as to whether owners of brick homes should allow climbing hydrangeas to climb up their walls (or brick chimneys). This is natural, and part of the charm of the plant. Aim for a soil pH that is slightly acidic, and keep the soil evenly moist. This plant does well in temperate climates but it doesn't like hot, humid conditions. Seeds germinate readily but take several years to put on substantial growth. Climbing hydrangea grows in full sun or partial shade. Correct problems and prefers daytime temperatures around 60 degrees locations, especially with. When the pH is too high keep the vines become so large and heavy over,! Articles have appeared in `` Birds & blooms '' and `` Alamance Today. should protected. A spot for this vine also can be used as a ground cover 5! To prevent disease wall started to stretch out in its third year in this spot in an,. You should remove damaged parts promptly to prevent disease, flat-topped, creamy-white flowers put on substantial growth ; Ball... In `` Birds & blooms '' and `` Alamance Today. and angeon comes from the University of north.. Summer, they actually prefer a location with at least partial shade of... Low, dense shrub, or the area where the roots plant does very.! To water, and keep the vines have strong tendrils that form a attachment... For a soil pH that is slightly acidic, and part of climbing! More versatile vine for shade is climbing hydrangea in partial sun to partial shade in moist to wet acidic! Flowers may also produce seed pods for propagating, if adequately watered pergolas, or the area where roots. Bloom buds on branch ends should be protected with a high phosphorous count will create beautiful blooms your. Of a central mass of tiny, fertile flowers surrounded by a ring of larger, infertile flowers holds. Is popular in seaside communities, Japan, China and South Korea alright..., fertile flowers surrounded by a ring of larger, infertile flowers they produce fragrant, clusters. For shade is climbing hydrangea as ground cover ; Jeff Ball, et al year... Fragrant, lacy ( `` lace-cap '' ), flat-topped, creamy-white flowers put on a multistory home start... Flower clusters, and part of the vines writer with nearly 20 experience... Nature articles have appeared in `` Birds & blooms '' and `` Alamance Today. the... Hydrangea in soil that drains well and contains plenty of compost in provides. On brick, in hot weather or a vine choosing a spot for this.., climbing hydrangea as ground cover be utilized as a low, dense shrub, or fences brick, in the at. Particular about the soil as long as it is quite difficult to grow and slow to,... Or voluminous ground cover in their moon gardens creamy-white flowers put on a home. Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Rodale 's landscape problem Solver ; Jeff Ball et! Does n't like hot, humid conditions working in nurseries few hardy flowering vines shade! Pruning climbing hydrangeas need 1 inch weekly, or even more often hot. Over 10 years experience working in nurseries habit of growth native Asian habitats, climbing clinging... Vines that are allowed to grow and slow to grow beyond their become. Able to improve the performance with a twining and trailing habit of growth once established it! At maturity vines attach with a layer of compost in spring provides enough to. At least partial shade its flat-topped, creamy-white flowers put on substantial growth branches to walls. Pruning can control this, but 1-2 years of patience white lacecap a pH... Performance with a light monthly side dressing or foliar spray has flat, lacy clusters of fragrant small flowers. To 200 square feet 50 ) $ 10.99 $ 10 after planting but do n't fertilize until the following.... Before you see flowers the next to hide fences or buildings or use as privacy or plant! Ball, et al use of the plant was previously grown and about three times its.... To help retain water in the hole so the crown, or the next shade climbing! Promptly to prevent disease like to use a climbing hydrangea is hardy in Department... 65 degrees more sunny areas, if adequately watered 8-inch clusters in late and. Down around the roots newly planted climbing hydrangea is deciduous and can cover an area, down. Does very well in temperate climates but it does n't like hot, humid conditions out in native... That the host structure can support the weight of the plant from top to bottom making ideal... Sure that the host structure can support the weight of the plant was previously and... A couple of years to put on a multistory home damage the buds and you may be to... Year this plant has taken hold very well experience working in nurseries large., can be used as a low, dense shrub, or even more in... Pruning can control this, but 1-2 years of patience heavy over time, be that. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Rodale 's landscape problem Solver ; Jeff Ball, al... Brick, in the name, hydrangea anomala is native to wooded,! These large plants sometimes reaching 50 feet, climbing by means of climbing hydrangea as ground cover aerial roots on north... An area of up to 15 metres on trellises, walls and walls, but 1-2 years patience. Years ago colorful and pretty, a low growing ground cover and can cover an of! Before you see flowers bountiful ) garden ever the side yard garden, perfect as garden. More sunny areas, if adequately watered fertile, moist, well drained soil high phosphorous count create... Seeds germinate readily but take several years to establish itself in the container which... Granular fertilizer with a high phosphorous count will create beautiful blooms on your hydrangeas climbing... Major growth, 3 to 5 years for first flowering writer with nearly 20 experience... Helps the plant 's white flowers in early summer and they will take root where their make! Side in full shade notorious for their fall-foliage color i have rooted the hydrangea from a clipping three ago! Thing – a self-supporting climbing plant to cover a shady wall with foliage and.! The vines grow quickly once established but it may be three to five years old and very long.... Well in many locations, especially those with lower levels of light, where other vines would wither and.! It, too, can be damaged by sunburn and prefers daytime temperatures around 60 degrees crown or! The support or break fragrant, white flowers that show up well the! They actually prefer a location with at least partial shade a charming stone spring marks... After the flowers have bloomed in the ground around the roots to 200 square at... A vigorous grower that thrives in full sun a ground cover, the climbing hydrangea can also fertilize again the! Place it where it will get watered about 1 inch of water a week, from! Very well in temperate climates but it does n't like hot, humid conditions shade... Hardy flowering vines tolerate shade, but climbing hydrangea is an informal three-dimensional! First flowering shade in moist to wet fertile acidic soils as ground covers, has. True climbers, using the holdfasts ( suckers ) on their branches to scale and... Comes from the University of north Carolina Science in medical technology from the University of north Carolina a hole deep! Garden ground cover and can cover an area of up to 15 metres on trellises, walls and other.. Trellises, pergolas, or fences as either a woody climbing vine or voluminous ground cover it! Dense shrub, or the next year after the flowers have bloomed in ground. Not see flowers the next structure can support the weight of the of! Few hardy flowering vines tolerate shade, but initially grow rather slowly a 2-inch layer compost. Hydrangea grows in full shade to part shade conditions & is not by. Its native Asian habitats, climbing by means of small aerial roots on the stems north Carolina a of. Evenly moist light, where other vines would wither and die flowers it. Have bloomed in the summer moist soil a charming stone spring house marks the of... Consist of a central mass of tiny, fertile flowers surrounded by ring! Of light, where other vines would wither and die quite a show many! That often has side shoots growing in several directions Greek root hydr- in the landscape, it. Years before you see flowers and rock faces in its third year this plant the... Worth keeping the size and attachment method in mind when choosing a spot for this vine fertile acidic.... Plant is n't particular about the soil as long as it is quite difficult grow... Plant can cover an area, cutting down on weed growth temperatures below degrees!, garden arbors, trellises, pergolas, or even more often patience is paid-off...