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Climbing hydrangea

Climbing hydrangea

Question from Shoot User
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Help! My climbing hydrangea, planted 15 months ago, has put on a real spurt this year and has already flowered. It is now about 4ft up the trunk of a really old willow tree.

Unfortunately, the tree seems to be more dead than alive, and we have decided to have it removed. The tree feller assures us that he can 'dismantle' the tree without disturbing any of the surrounding plants.

I can see that the hydrangea can easily be encouraged to relinquish its grip on the bark, and I understand that I could leave it there and let it become a shrubby mound. Would that look ok? Or would it be best moved to a new location and trained up another host, or wall?

I would really appreciate some advice. Thanks.
Posted: Tuesday 11th of August 2009 04:11 PM

  • Ideas for climbing hydrangea

    Kathy N
    Hi, Sandy,
    I would say in this situation, any advice given is based mainly on personal opinion/preference so you will probably get loads of ideas on what is best! If it were my garden, I would be inclined to keep the hydrangea where it is - it sounds like it is very happy and I would hate to move it. Having said that, however, I'm not sure what is around it/behind it. Since it was growing up an old willow, was the willow against or near a fence or wall? Was it in the middle of the garden. Could you use a trellis or pyramid type structure to train it up? Perhaps a temporary support until a replacement tree grows tall and strong enough to support it? Personally, I wouldn't leave it as a shrubby mound - too many other hydrangeas/shrubs do that better and the climbing hydrangea looks best when it does just that - climb. Any chance of posting a photo of its location?
    Good luck and interested to see what others think.
    Kathy C.
    Replied: Friday 14th of August 2009 05:54 PM

  • Re: Climbing hydrangea

    Shoot User
    I am very late to this party! This poster has resolved this issue long ago but for others - my climbing hydrangea is beautiful as a ground cover. It was not a planned occurrence. Five years after moving into my home - this beautiful vine "appeared." i am encouraging it to spread & it is responding wonderfully.
    Replied: Friday 11th of September 2015 11:40 PM
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