Climbing Hydrangea

Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris Saxifragaceae

Growth habit

Vine, Climber

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Native distribution

Japan and Taiwan

Location

Groundcover Collection

Source of plant

Lake County Nursery Inc., Weston Nurseries, White Flower Farm, McGuire Gardens

Description

Clinging vine climbing by rootlike holdfasts; develops in more than one plane and gives depth to the structure it is covering; branches protrude out from the structure to which the vine is attached, creatinginteresting shadows. Exquisitely handsome glossy dark green summer foliage stays green late into the fall, and leaves abscise green. Bark on older stems develops an exfoliating character much like that of Acer griseum; rich cinnamon-brown in color. Flowers white, borne in late June into early July, effective for 2 weeks or longer, borne in 6-10" diameter flat-topped corymbs with the outer flowers (sepals) showy and sterile, 1 to 1 3/4" across, and the inner flowers fertile, dull white and weakly attractive, sweetlyfragrant; overall effect in flower is magnificent.

USDA Hardiness Zone

4

Special characteristics

bark, winter interest, flower color, growth habit