Hydrangeas
Anomala
(ssp. petiolaris) (aka Climbing Hydrangea)
This is often
described as the most beautiful vine in the world. Unfortunately
the specimen I had died but I am determined to start a new one
this year. The vine is a notoriously slow starter and I think
I accidentally killed mine because I forgot about it and was too
careless in the area where it was planted. Your patience should
be rewarded in many years to come, however, if the vine lives
up to the promise of photographs I have seen. Spectacular lacy,
creamy white flowers appear in early spring (late April - May)
and the glossy heart shaped leaves are also beautiful throughout
the growing season. In winter, the woody vines display gnarled,
exfoliating bark the color of light toast. The vine clings to
structures by aerial roots that attach like those of ivy. I have
not read of structural damage caused by climbing hydrangea but
it will leave unsightly trail stains if removed. It can spread
50-60 feet.
Culture
Site
Selection - Full sun or partial shade. Although it can
be grown as a shrub, it looks best with something to climb on,
such as a rock or brick wall, a large tree trunk, fences, etc.
Planting
- Dig a generous hole, wider than the root ball and add compost,
aged manure, leaves, peat moss, etc. to the planting mix. Position
the plant so that an inch of the root ball sits above the soil
line, fill in with your native soil that has been amended and
water well. Surround the plant with 1-2 inches of mulch - leaves
and pine needles are excellent choices.
Fertilizing
- should be done sparingly while the plant is young. None is needed
after the plant matures.
Pruning
- No pruning is necessary except to remove dead or damaged wood.
Keep
in mind that the various types of hydrangeas are pruned differently!
(For pruning instructions for smooth,
panicle,
oakleaf,
and macrophylla hydrangeas, consult
the appropriate web pages on this site).
Hardiness
Generally
considered hardy to zone 4. Click
here for the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Cultivar
List
Name |
Flower
Type |
Characteristics |
Close-Up
View |
Full
View |
H.
petiolaris |
Similar to lacecap |
|
|
|
