Family: Hydrangeaceae
Author: D.Don
Bibliography: Prodr. Fl. Nepal.: 211 (1825)
Year: 1825
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Hydrangea
Vegetable: False
Observations: Himalaya to C. & S. China and Myanmar, Taiwan
Description
Climbing hydrangea, with the scientific name Hydrangea anomala, is an extraordinary and versatile plant known for its robust growth and striking floral display. Described first in the “Prodr. Fl. Nepal.: 211” in 1825 by D. Don, this species is a testament to the lush biodiversity of the regions it inhabits, which span from the Himalayas to Central and South China, Myanmar, and Taiwan.
Belonging to the family Hydrangeaceae, climbing hydrangea is a deciduous, woody vine that can reach impressive heights if given adequate support structures like walls, trellises, or trees. Its method of climbing is unique, utilizing aerial rootlets that cling to surfaces, making it an excellent choice for covering large areas and adding vertical interest to gardens and landscapes.
The foliage of Hydrangea anomala is attractive even before the flowers emerge. Its broad, heart-shaped leaves create a dense canopy of lush greenery that not only provides shade but also serves as a perfect backdrop for its blooms. The leaves turn a vibrant yellow in the fall, adding seasonal interest.
When in bloom, climbing hydrangea is nothing short of spectacular. It produces creamy white to slightly off-white, lace-cap flowers typically in late spring to early summer. These blossoms are composed of a central cluster of tiny fertile flowers surrounded by a ring of larger sterile flowers, which can add a lacy, delicate texture to the visual appeal. These blooms also have a faint, sweet fragrance, attracting a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies.
Another significant advantage of the climbing hydrangea is its resilience and adaptability. It thrives in a range of environmental conditions, preferring shady to partially sunny locations, which makes it particularly useful for difficult, low-light areas where other plants may struggle. It can also tolerate various soil types, provided they are well-drained and rich in organic matter.
Although its establishment can be slow in the initial years, patience is rewarded with a robust, magnificently flowering vine that requires minimal maintenance once mature. Its hardiness and relatively low demand for care make climbing hydrangea an appealing option for both novice gardeners and seasoned horticulturists alike.
In summation, the climbing hydrangea stands out as a versatile, beautiful, and hardy choice for vertical gardening. Its historical documentation and widespread native range underscore its adaptability and the timeless charm it offers to gardens worldwide.
Common Names
Dan: klatre-hortensie
Eng: japanese climbing-hydrangea
Swe: klätterhortensia
En: Climbing Hydrangea, Japanese Climbing-hydrangea
Ar: هدرانج شاذ
Zh: Guan gai xiu qiu, 藤繡球
Da: Klatre-hortensie
Fi: Köynnöshortensia
Sv: Klätterhortensia
Zh-tw: 藤繡球
Synonyms
- Hydrangea anomala var. sericea (C.C.Yang)
- Hydrangea glaucophylla (C.C.Yang)
- Hydrangea glaucophylla var. sericea ((C.C.Yang) C.F.Wei)
- Hydrangea altissima (Wall.)
- Hydrangea glabra (Hayata)
Distribution
- Assam (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nepal (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Tibet (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Mar 17, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 17, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 7, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 7, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7318939)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:791541-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hydrangea anomala D. Don)