Experienced grower's notes on Climbing Hydrangea

I've been growing plants seriously for over fifteen years and Climbing Hydrangea remains a reliable favourite. For anyone starting out: the most critical thing is training new growth to the support structure while still flexible. Everything else follows from that.

support structure failing under the weight of mature growth is the challenge that trips up most beginners and some experienced growers too. I've been growing mine in a pergola or arch creating a garden feature for three seasons now and the results are consistently good. dramatic seasonal transformations from bare stems to full cover is what makes it worth coming back to year after year. bud break and rapid early growth in spring is when I show it off — it earns its place fully then.