In the Hydrangea genus there is only one climbing species that has long since conquered our gardens. Hydrangea petiolaris is one of the most beautiful plants available for home greening. However, the very similar mock hydrangea, also known as split hydrangea, is largely unknown.
What varieties of climbing hydrangeas are there?
Among the climbing hydrangeas there are four popular varieties: 'Miranda' with large, creamy white flowers, the dwarf form 'Cordifolia', the evergreen new variety 'Semiola' and the white-green variegated 'Silver Lining', which is good for pots is suitable.
Climbing hydrangea Hydrangea petiolaris
Hydrangea petiolaris originally comes from Japan and China, but has also been used in Germany for many years to green house walls, old trees, pergolas, etc. Due to its growth, the undemanding and robust plant is also suitable as a ground cover. The plate-shaped flowers are always creamy white and have a crown of a few sterile petals, with the flat center made up of numerous fertile flowers. When young, the climbing hydrangea is sometimes a bit lazy.
Hydrangea petiolaris – the most beautiful varieties
In Germany, different varieties of the climbing hydrangea Hydrangea petiolaris are not (yet?) widespread. Basically, only four varieties are known in this country, although this type of hydrangea is of course much more diverse. In garden-loving Great Britain, for example, you can admire such distinctive varieties as “Summer Snow” or “Firefly”.
| Variety | Flower color | Flowering time | Leaves | Growth height | Growth width | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miranda | cream white | June to July | yellow variegated | approx. 3 meters | approx. 3 meters | big flowers |
| Cordifolia | cream white | June to July | summer green, heart-shaped | approx. 60 centimeters / on walls up to 3 meters | approx. 40 centimeters | Dwarf shape |
| Semiola | white | May to June | evergreen | approx. 250 centimeters | approx. 3 meters | New breeding |
| Silver Lining | white | July to August | white-green variegated | approx. 1.5 to 2 meters | approx. 1.5 to 2 meters | good for pots |
Mock hydrangea Schizophragma hydrangeoides
The false or split hydrangea is closely related to the climbing hydrangea, with the main difference only being the shape of the petals. The plate-shaped, creamy-white flowers have a crown of a few sterile petals and a flat center of numerous fertile flowers. In contrast to the “real” climbing hydrangea, the false flowers are heart-shaped and sit individually on the flower stalks. With the climbing hydrangea, however, three to four always sit together. The mock hydrangea is also as robust as it is undemanding and thrives excellently in partially shaded to shady locations.
Tips & Tricks
Both climbing hydrangeas should be planted in a semi-shady to shady location if possible. A sunny spot only makes sense if the soil is very moist and deep, although southern locations are unsuitable.
