Slow to get established, but once the roots are set in, the plant will take off and climb quickly. Attaches by way of suckering rootlets (not sure of the term) so be cautious of potential damage. Prune heavily in spring to maintain shape and control of new growth. A haven for bird nesting. Large white bloom clusters in early summer against deep green leaves, which then turn a soft yellow in fall before dropping. The flower clusters persist over winter much like any other hydrangea. No disease or insect problems that I have noticed.

Reply to this comment

I occasionally have seen this woody vine (liana) mostly in professional landscapes in both the Chicago, Illinois region and the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania region, sold at some larger, diverse nurseries. Its opposite leaves are 2 to 4 inches long and dark green and lustrous above, turning a good yellow in the fall. Its stems have cinnamon-brown, peeling, exfoliating shaggy bark and have root-like holdfasts along the internodes. It has the normal "lacecap" flat-topped corymb flower clusters of natural hydrangeas of large, sterile, petals (sepals actually) on the outside of the cluster and tiny fertile flowers in the center, that are white and slightly fragrant. The famous Dr. Donald Wyman of the Arnold Arboretum considered this as "no better clinging vine." Native to China & Japan. I do remember seeing a good, large vine on a one story brick house in my hometown in northeast Illinois that a new homeowner tore down in the late 1990's, and I lost its photo that I had before it was done.

Reply to this comment

Honey bees get nectar and pollen from this plant.

Reply to this comment