Ask the Master Gardeners

Q: I have a climbing hydrangea to plant. I am thinking it would be nice to have it climb up a large evergreen tree. I could plant it so that it gets an eastern exposure in a bright area. Is this good for the tree and the hydrangea?
— J.P. Kiely, Mahopac

A: Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris) will do great on any tree with a long branchless trunk. A climbing hydrangea is a vigorous grower in its later years, and can climb up to 80 feet.

It is therefore important to choose a tree that is sturdy enough to hold its substantial weight and has a long bare trunk. Any tree depends on the manufacture of chlorophyll during its growing season. When shaded by an unwelcome neighbor any tree will suffer in the long run.

Be sure to prune the hydrangea before it interferes with the canopy of the tree that is supporting it. You need to be prepared to let the hydrangea become established before it will bloom.

The best way to manage a climbing hydrangea is to limit its height to a size that is easy for you to maintain. You need to cut its climbing tips when you are able to reach them. This pruning will have to be repeated each year.

If the hydrangea is planted on a stone fence where it climbs horizontally rather than vertically, then pruning becomes easy. It is dictated by the length and shape you determine for that stone fence.

The hydrangea will grow in shade or sun but may not bloom well in heavy shade.
— Krys Mernyk, Sleepy Hollow, Master Gardener, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester