HOW TO GROW HYDRANGEA PETIOLARIS

How to grow Hydrangea petiolaris

Commonly known as the 'Climbing Hydrangea', Hydrangea petiolaris is a large self-clinging, deciduous climber, made popular as a garden plant due to its excellent shade tolerance. It is a woodland plant, native to Japan, the Korean peninsula, and Russia's Sakhalin island. It was introduced to western science in 1865.

How to grow Hydrangea petiolaris

The leaves are ovate, with a heart-shaped base, 4–11 cm long and 3–8 cm wide. The margins are coarsely serrated with an acute apex. The white blooms appear in June and are produced in flat corymbs 15–25 cm in diameter. In its native Asian habit, Hydrangea petiolaris uses it aerial roots to climb trees and rock faces, and is capable of attaining heights of 18-25 metres. Under cultivation in northern Europe, heights of 12 metres (sometimes more) and a width of 4-8 metres are more likely.

Avoid planting in full sun and shelter from cold, drying winds as the leaves are easily scorched. Hydrangea petiolaris will perform best where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade. It will grow well in any rich fertile, moist soil. Consider improve the soil prior to planting by digging in plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost. Although vigorous once established, young specimens may require some support until the aerial roots establish.

Hydrangea petiolaris received the Award of Garden Merit AGM) from the Royal Horticultural society in 1984.

Main image - By Sten, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=620466

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