Hydrangea anomala aka Climbing Hydrangea

Taxonomy

Hydrangea anomala, also known as the Japanese climbing-hydrangea, is a vigorous, deciduous or semi-evergreen climber that can grow up to 12 meters in height. Native to the woodlands of the Himalaya, southern and central China, and northern Myanmar, it is a woody climbing plant that uses small aerial roots to climb trees or rock faces. The leaves are ovate, with a heart-shaped base, coarsely serrated margin, and an acute apex. In mid-summer, it produces flat corymbs of flowers, consisting of small peripheral sterile white flowers and numerous small, creamy-white fertile flowers. The fruit is a dry urn-shaped capsule containing winged seeds. This species can be found in dense to sparse forests, along stream banks, or on rocky mountain slopes at elevations ranging from 500 to 2900 meters. Its bark is brown and peeling when mature, and it has mid-green, ovate leaves that are coarsely toothed. The flowers form broad, loose clusters, with small greenish-white true flowers in the center and large, showy white florets around the edges. There is a closely related species, Hydrangea petiolaris, which is sometimes considered a subspecies of H. anomala. It is larger in size, reaching up to 20 meters in height, and has larger flower corymbs up to 25 centimeters in diameter. Both species are commonly referred to as Climbing hydrangeas.

Common names

Climbing Hydrangea, Japanese Climbing Hydrangea

How to care for Climbing Hydrangea

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Climbing Hydrangea, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Climbing Hydrangea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Climbing Hydrangea loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Climbing Hydrangea requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Japanese Climbing Hydrangea is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Climbing Hydrangea plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Climbing Hydrangea is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

The Climbing Hydrangea does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

The Climbing Hydrangea is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Climbing Hydrangea’s native range is Asia and the Americas.


More info:
Wikipedia