Plant guide

Climbing hydrangea.

Hydrangea anomala

Pronounced hy-DRAN-jee-uh uh-NOM-uh-luh

Also known as Chinese Hydrangea, Climbing Hydrangea, Japanese Climbing-hydrangea

This woody vine is a fantastic choice for adding vertical interest to walls or fences. It produces beautiful, lacecap flowers that look lovely in the summer. It is a slow grower at first, but it will eventually cover a large area.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Deciduous woody vine
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 5 to 7 days
Mature size: 30 to 50 feet
Growth rate: Slow

Care

Provide a sturdy support structure for the vines to climb as they mature. Keep an eye on the leaves for wilting, which indicates the soil has dried out too much. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but never soggy.

Watering: Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer once in early spring before new growth starts.
Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering to shape the vine and remove dead wood.
Repotting: Repot only if the plant is in a container and has become root bound.
Soil: Rich, well draining, loamy soil
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral

Safety

Pets: This plant is considered mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

How to identify it

Heart shaped dark green leaves
Lacecap white flower clusters
Exfoliating reddish brown bark
Clings to surfaces with aerial roots

Science

Family: Hydrangeaceae
Genus: Hydrangea
Order: Cornales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your climbing hydrangea looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.