Hydrangea Anomala Petiolaris, Climbing Hydrangea Identification Fact Sheet

This is the tree, shrub, and vine identification project fact sheet for Hydrangea anomala petiolaris, Climbing Hydrangea. This fact sheet may not be copied in part or in whole and submitted as one's own project, but may be cited as a source of facts during one's own research. See tree, shrub, and vine identification project main page for links to other plants, and Vines slideshow for pictures.

Plant Botanical Name: Hydrangea anomala petiolaris

Common Name: Climbing Hydrangea

Family Name: Hydrangeaceae

Plant is Native to What Country: China and Japan

Plant Height at Maturity: If grown as a shrub can reach 3-5 feet high and 5 feet wide. When allowed to climb can reach 30 feet high and wide.

Plant Habit and Form: Grows as a vine, with terminal branches growing upwards. Laterals grow off to the sides. Vine uses aerial adventitious roots to cling to the support. With no support, vines can crawl along the ground and can be trained to form a shrub.

Foliage: Deciduous glossy dark green leaves arranged opposite on stems. Leaves with serrated margins and acute tips. Fall color poor, with leaves dropping green in late fall or turning yellow first.

Bark: Tan to brown bark exfoliating on stems. Can be showy.

Flower: Flowers bloom in June and are very showy. Clusters contain mostly small fertile flowers, having a ring of showy, sterile flowers around the outside. Flowers have a lacy appearance and contrast well against the foliage.

Fruit/Seed: Fruit a cluster of small dried capsules, persisting into the winter.

Growing Requirements: Preferring moist, fertile soil, plants do best in full sun to partial shade and do not like hot dry locations. Slow to establish, plants can become large and need room once they are established.

Problems and Drawbacks: Plants are slow to establish, can be particular as to soil and site preferences, and become large.

Special Uses: One of the best vines available in the landscape, Climbing Hydrangea has multi-season appeal and is valued for its leaf, flower, and bark.

ID Tips/Remarks: Leaves somewhat heart shaped.

Bibliography: http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/h/hydano/hydano1.html, personal observation.