Hydrangea anomala
Japanese climbing hydrangea
A vigorous, deciduous or semi-evergreen climber that can reach up to 12m high in ideal conditions. Leaves are mid-green, ovate and coarsely toothed, and bark is brown and peeling when mature. Produces broad, loose clusters of flowers in early summer, with small greenish-white true flowers in the centre and large, showy white florets around the edges
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Hydrangeaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Hydrangea can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, or self-clinging climbers, with flowers in clusters usually comprising both small fertile and more showy sterile flowers; often good autumn colour
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and shelter from cold, drying winds. This species climbs using aerial roots and will need suitable support, especially when young. Mulch annually in spring. See climbing hydrangea cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by layering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wall side borders
- Climber and wall shrubs
Pruning
Pruning Group 11, after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, capsid bug, red spider mite, stem and bulb eelworm, vine weevil and scale insects
Diseases
May be susceptible to a leaf spot, powdery mildews, grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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