Climbing hydrangea (syn. Decumaria barbara)-

Hydrangea anomala ssp.petiolaris

Height: in Latvia it can reach up to 10 m in height, annual growth 0.5 m

Growing conditions in Latvia’s climate zones: western, central, eastern zone

Crown: a deciduous climber that climbs using aerial roots. Shoots copper-brown with peeling bark. Crown 2.5-3.5 cm wide.

Flowers: flowers white, arranged in flat corymbs and bloom in the second half of June and in July. The inflorescences are fragrant, 15-20 cm in diameter, with particularly sweet-bitter fragrance nuances noticeable in the evenings. The flowers are sterile. In winter it retains dry brown inflorescences, but they fall off by spring.

Fruit: inconspicuous dry capsules with seeds, of no ornamental value, remaining through winter.

Foliage: leaves dark green, glossy, medium-sized, 5-10 cm in diameter, oval, toothed, borne on long stalks. In autumn they turn golden yellow.

Winter hardiness: severe winter cold is not a problem, but Latvia’s fluctuating winter air temperatures can be harmful, because the young buds are already ready to open when the leaves fall in autumn. The whole plant can be damaged by frost in May.

Growing conditions: climbing hydrangeas feel best in partially shaded places, because the lush green leaves can scorch in direct sunlight. As for soil, choose humus-rich, loose, moderately moist soil, pH 5.0; well-rotted leaves may be used, and mulching with pine bark mulch helps maintain moisture. It is recommended to plant the plant 0.5-1 cm deeper than it was growing in the container. Watering is recommended in dry weather.

Important to know!No matter how large a climbing hydrangea plant you buy, it needs 2-3 years to establish well. During this time it will stay green but will not make new growth. Climbing hydrangea develops roots slowly; while it is establishing, it should be left undisturbed. People think something is wrong with the plant and start watering, fertilising or transplanting it additionally, but all that is needed is patience.

Supports recommended for planting climbing hydrangea are made of natural materials. Around an old, living tree, a pine trunk, a post, against stone, concrete or a brick wall. Planting by a house wall should be considered very carefully, because the plant will cling to it with astonishing strength by means of its holdfasts.

Care:Fertilising. For supplementary feeding, fertiliser intended for hydrangeas may be used.

Training. Climbing hydrangea does not need its shoots pruned or its crown shaped; this is done only if a shoot is in the way. The most favourable time for pruning is spring. It does not need winter protection; it is recommended not to throw snow on top of it, as the fragile shoots can be damaged by a heavy snow cover. Of course, the climber has dormant buds that recover quickly.