Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Climbing Hydrangea

Climbing Hydrangea is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of pruning at the correct season for the specific variety in the early stages and paid for it. roots disturbing foundations if planted too close to buildings also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a boundary wall or fence for screening and softening which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. ability to soften hard architectural features naturally is visible but muted. bare structure in winter revealing the interesting stem framework gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.