May Vine of the Month-Climbing Hydrangea

I haven’t seen my garage in over three years. The door still works, yes, but when open, my “garage” resembles a somewhat rectangular green monster that eats cars and grows larger and hungrier by the day. By next year, it might look like we have one of those cool garages with a game room or servant quarters above, because who knows just WHAT is really underneath that climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea anomala subsp. Petiolaris…

It started out innocent enough. Cute little one-gallon container with a pathetic, twisted STICK with a few leaves. Even after five years, it was still meager and without blooms. Year TEN was when I saw the first bloom and rejoiced in my patience, after years of protecting it like a show poodle and threatening the darling hubby and the roofers who dared mention removal.

Twenty-five years ago, when I brought it home, did I know it could overtake the garage…of course I did. But I also thought I would have the time to control it…I saw myself with my shiny hand pruners and floppy hat, delicately snipping here and there like some southern lady between luncheons and garden parties. The reality is that we now need a chainsaw.

So if you have a bare, ugly wall that faces north, this could be an option. Climbing hydrangea will grow slowly and steadily up to 50’. The spring blooms against the glossy, dark green leaves are breathtaking. Even in winter, the peeling, cinnamon-colored stems are showy.

But be warned…the stems grow thick, and although not as aggressive as wisteria, it will sneak up to massive proportions if not kept in check with a good once-a-year trim. (Preferably after it flowers.) This vine uses aerial rootlets that cling, so no trellis is needed to cover a wall, but keep in mind that if you have masonry with loose or aged mortar.

What I love about this plant;

-Showy flowers and foliage.

-Attractive peeling, cinnamon-colored stems.

-Will tolerate shade/northern exposure.

-No serious pests or diseases.

-Slow growing and not aggressive like wisteria, trumpet creeper, Virginia creeper, or Boston ivy.

What’s not so great;

-Takes a long time to mature enough to bloom-be patient.

-It requires higher-than-average water needs, especially if in more sun.

-Climbs by aerial roots, which can damage brick and mortar structures.

-Prune directly after blooming. Waiting too late in the season to prune will cut off the flower buds, as with other spring-blooming hydrangeas that flower on old wood. June Shrub of the Month-Big Leaf Hydrangea –

-Will EAT YOUR GARAGE, house, wall, tree, or arbor. This is NOT a low-maintenance plant. Once the desired height is achieved, routine yearly trimming is necessary.

-Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2026, All rights reserved.