Sunday, 15 July 2012

Climb on board the Hydrangea train!

Climb on board the hydrangea train!

Hydrangeas come in many beautiful forms, but one of my favourites is the climbing hydrangea. These hardy vines produce fragrant white lace cap flowers in early summer which can be five inches or more in width. The leaves turn golden in autumn, exposing exfoliating bark for winter interest.
Climbing hydrangeas prefer a location with at least partial shade, but unlike most flowering vines, can also handle full shade as well. The only caveat being; the more sun they have, the more blooms they will produce. Once established, these vigorous growers can be grown up arbors, pergolas, fences, or walls.

The word hydrangea literally means “Water Vessel” in Greek, a clue to their thirsty habits. Keep the soil consistently moist and don’t let them dry out or you’ll be sorry.

Climbing hydrangeas solve a problem for gardeners with shady areas to fill. Under plant them with ferns, hostas and other shade lovers to create a cool oasis for those hot summer days. So come in and just say “hy” to your new leafy friend, “Hy-drangea” that is.


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