Comparing Climbing Hydrangea varieties — notes from growing several

I've grown several varieties within the Climbing Hydrangea family and have some observations to share. many varieties offering fragrance, colour, and wildlife value varies noticeably between them, more than catalogue descriptions suggest. The care fundamentals are shared — pruning at the correct season for the specific variety applies across all of them.

roots disturbing foundations if planted too close to buildings affects some more than others, particularly in adverse conditions. I grow mine in a pergola or arch creating a garden feature which works well for most varieties. autumn foliage colour on deciduous species before leaf fall is the clearest moment of differentiation between varieties — that's when the character of each comes through. Worth growing a few side by side if you have the space.