This climber is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: sun to partial shade
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: slow at first, then medium
• Flowering period: June to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A star plant, this climbing hydrangea thrives in some of the most shady, inhospitable areas of the garden. Slow to establish, it will eventually romp along a wall or fence, clinging by aerial roots. Its almost heart-shaped, dark green leaves turn yellow in autumn, and masses of showy, lacy, white flowerheads appear in late spring and early summer.
  
  
• Garden care: Plant in moist, fertile soil and do not allow the soil to dry out while the plant is getting established. This hydrangea flowers on the previous season’s wood, so if you need to prune it back, do so in late autumn or early spring, but be warned that drastic pruning may restrict flowering the following year.