Hydrangea barbara

Climbing Hydrangea is a deciduous, semi-evergreen woody vine that is native to the southeastern USA and is found in the coastal plain and mountain areas of NC. It is found naturally in swamps, bottomlands, and moist forests.

Plant Climbing Hydrangea in partial sun to partial shade in moist to wet fertile, acidic soils. It does best with afternoon shade. It can tolerate heavy shade, but it will not flower as much as it will in partial or dappled shade. It needs to climb to produce flowers that appear only on new wood.  It can be grown as groundcover but will not produce blooms. Propagate it from softwood cuttings, as it is quite difficult to grow from seed. 

In spring, 2 to 4-inch flat-topped clusters of white flowers appear with numerous stamens. Large glossy oval leaves fade to tan in the fall.

The leaves cover the plant from top to bottom, making it ideal to hide fences or buildings or use as a privacy or screening plant. It attaches to structures with aerial rootlets and will cover buildings, trellises, walls, or arbors or can be trained as an espalier. The flowers attract pollinators.

Fire Risk: This plant has an extreme flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home.  Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:    Generally problem-free. Watch for powdery mildew, leaf spots, Botrytis, Aphids, Spider Mites, and Scale.