Family

Hydrangeaceae

Description

Climbing hydrangea is a deciduous woody vine admired for its ability to scale walls, trees, and arbors with its clinging aerial roots. In early summer, it produces showy, lacecap-like white flowers that contrast elegantly with its heart-shaped foliage. Although slow to establish, mature plants are vigorous and long-lived, eventually forming a dramatic vertical presence in shaded or partially sunny landscapes. It prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil and benefits from structural support during its early years.

Native to the wooded valleys and rocky slopes of eastern Asia—particularly Japan, Korea, and parts of the Russian Far East—this subspecies is well adapted to cooler temperate climates and forest margins. In naturalistic garden designs, it provides vertical interest and habitat for climbing insects and birds while softening hard surfaces like masonry or fencing.

Bloom Time

June to July