This Climbing Hydrangea is a vigorous deciduous vine from Japan and Korea whose heart-shaped foliage and large white clusters of June flowers make it an attractive covering for a wall, fence, or large tree. In sun or shade (afternoon shade is required in the Deep South and in western Zones 9 and 10) and in moist but well-drained soil, it will eventually grow to 40′ or more (it’s a bit slow starting).

Plants have lateral branches that grow out as much as 3′ from the supporting structure, giving a rich, deep texture that is quite unlike that of other vines. The dried flower heads and reddish brown, peeling bark are attractive in winter. Produces aerial roots that cling to its support. Not well adapted to the dry heat of desert regions. Blooms on old wood.

Hydrangea is a valuable genus of some 100 species of shrubs and vines grown for their large and very showy flower heads. Hydrangeas are at their best in summer and fall—a quiet time for most woody plants—and are worth having for that reason alone.