Hydrangea petiolaris

Climbing Hydrangea

Hydrangea petiolaris is a deciduous climbing vine valued for its large flat lacecap flower clusters, attractive dark green foliage, and strong clinging habit. This climbing hydrangea blooms in late spring to early summer with fragrant white flowers made up of showy sterile florets surrounding fertile center flowers. As it matures, the vine develops attractive peeling cinnamon-brown bark and can cover walls, fences, large trees, or other structures with dense foliage.

Type: Deciduous climbing vine
Mature Size: Width: 5–6 ft spread · Height: 30–50 ft climbing
USDA Zones: 4a–8b

Form: Clinging, self-attaching vine

Light: Part shade to full shade; tolerates morning sun

Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained soil

Water: Medium; prefers evenly moist soil during establishment

Wildlife: Attracts bees and other pollinating insects

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for covering walls, fences, arbors, tree trunks, and shaded structures where flowering vines are desired. Mature bark adds winter interest, and the vine performs especially well on north or east exposures.

Care:
Plant in fertile, organic-rich soil and provide time for establishment, as growth may be slow the first few years before becoming vigorous. Prune after flowering if shaping is needed. Once established, it is highly durable and long-lived.

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub, Vine

Height

30-50'

Width

5-6'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring, Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green, Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Container, Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Climbing

Bark

Exfoliating

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No