Climbing hydrangea
Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris
Also called Hydrangea petiolaris
Garden plant · ClimbersIt does nothing for three years and then covers a house. Do not give up on it in year two, and do not plant it on a wall whose mortar you care about.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 5 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Partial shade; a north or east wall suits it
- Feed
- Every 45 days
- Humidity
- Average to high
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a cold winter RHS H5, to -15°C
- Size
- 10 m tall · 5 m across
- Lifecycle
- Climber
- Origin
- Japan and South Korea
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs, cats.
PeopleIrritates skin
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS calls it a skin allergen and says to wear gloves when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-03.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.