HYDRANGEA Petiolaris

Hydrangea petiolaris

Height x Spread: 15m x 3m (after 10 years)

A plant that every gardener should know about,  this self-supporting climbing shrub is sought after for its beautiful large scented creamy white flowerheads in early summer.  Commonly known as lace caps each flower head is slightly flatter than a mop head hydrangea and has a centre chock-full of clusters of tiny fertile flowers encircled with a ring of larger showy sterile flowers.  In autumn the leaves turn a delicious yellow before dropping to reveal the chestnut brown stems which are a bonus to a winter garden.

Low maintenance and hardy, it can tolerate all light conditions from sunny to full shade but does best and will happily romp away when planted in partial shade and moist, free draining soil that has been enriched with organic compost. Ideal for a north facing wall, the flowers cut well for arrangements and drying.  Do not allow it to dry out initially after it has been planted, but once established it becomes drought tolerant. 

It may cause mild stomach ache if ingested so is it best to wear gloves when handling.