What soil does Climbing hydrangea grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic.

Is Climbing hydrangea hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Climbing hydrangea toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How much water does Climbing hydrangea need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Climbing hydrangea cost?

It sells for roughly €6.90 to €12 in local shops, depending on size.

Climbing hydrangea

Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris

Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris) is a climber. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Toxic to dogs and cats, mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €6.90.

Illustration of Climbing hydrangea — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A deciduous climbing shrub for a shady, north or east facing wall: it clings by itself to brick, stone and tree trunks with aerial roots and bears large, flat, white, scented flower heads in early summer. For the first few years it barely grows and does not flower, so tie it to wires or a trellis until it grips; after that it becomes vigorous and heavy, so give it a strong support from the start. It wants moist, humus-rich soil and regular watering, and its peeling cinnamon-brown bark and dried flower heads look good in winter too.

Watch out for

It is slow to start: it hardly grows for three to five years and does not flower when young, so it takes patience. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe its leaves scorch in full sun, and at the foot of a wall it stands in a rain shadow, so it needs watering in drought; in calcareous soil it may turn yellow, where acidic planting compost and organic matter help. It flowers on the previous year's wood, late frost can take the buds, and pruning is best done only after flowering. The aerial roots leave marks on render and paint and damage the surface when pulled off, and the heavy branches that stand out from the wall should be kept away from gutters and the roof. Aphids, scale, powdery mildew and leaf spot can occur.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 5 m × 3 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–July, white

Group	Climber
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	5 m × 3 m
Ultimate size	9–18 m × 1.5–8 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–July, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	200 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €6.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
40-60 cm	approx. €12
size not stated	approx. €6.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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