Growth

• Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala ssp. Petiolaris) is a vine with a potential height of 30 to 50 feet. It climbs and clings to walls, columns and trellises using aerial rootlets. The plant grows very slowly in the beginning, but speeds up once well-established. Impatient gardeners often give up on the vine before it begins to grow.
  
  

Requirements

• Climbing hydrangea grows best in a rich, well-drained soil with full or partial shade. It adapts to full sun in the northern parts of its range if given constant moisture. It is considered hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 8, but may struggle through hot, humid summers in zone 8.
  
  

Care

• Climbing hydrangea is relatively carefree once established. Water before the soil dries out and fertilize annually in spring. Take care not to disturb the roots when working in fertilizer or compost. The roots damage easily and root damage stunts growth. Prune lightly to control wayward branches. The vine may want to take off in a horizontal direction near the base, and this growth should be removed. The flowers bloom in spring on the previous year's growth, so wait until after the flowers blooms to prune.