Hydrangea integrifolia – Flowering plants

Hydrangea integrifolia is an ornamental, evergreen climbing Hydrangea. It has rambling, red-hued, hairy stems sport pairs of lustrous elongated, toothed margin leaves. The leaves are dark green, glossy with a leathery texture leaves are about 6 inches long. The petioles on newer or top growth appear bright red while others show yellow-green. The bloom buds arise slightly differently from other Hydrangeas in that they resemble over-sized golf balls prior to opening. The climbing evergreen Hydrangea flowers in June with terminal cymes displaying many small, white flowers. The fruits are dry, brown capsules.

Scientific classification

Family: Hydrangeaceae
Genus: Hydrangea
Species: H. integrifolia
Scientific Name: Hydrangea integrifolia Hayata
Common Name: Evergreen climbing Hydrangea

How to grow and care for Hydrangea integrifolia

Light

It thrives best from bright, indirect sunlight to partial shade. Provide at least 4 hours of bright, indirect sunlight every day.

Soil

It grows well in well-drained, peat-based soil with adequate amounts of organic matter, such as compost, leaf mold, or well-composted manure. While most hydrangeas grow better in soil that is lower in pH (acidic), they will tolerate higher pH soils (alkaline) quite well.

Water

Water regularly during the growing season. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Keep the soil barely moist in winter.

Temperature

It prefers to grow at a temperature below 60°F/16°C. Keep your hydrangea plant as cool as possible to prolong the flowering time.

Fertilizer

Fertilize every two weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) diluted by half. Or, use a slow-release fertilizer once in spring and again in summer.

Propagation

Hydrangea integrifolia can be easily propagated by stem tip cuttings. Take 4-inch stem tip cuttings in spring or early summer and root them in a moist potting mix.

Pests and Diseases

Hydrangea integrifolia has no serious pest or disease problems. Sometimes susceptibility to bud blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spot, and mildew. Aphids are occasional visitors.