Decumaria barbara
Climbing hydrangea, Wood vamp, Wild hydrangea
Also known as Hydrangea barbara
- Height × spread
- 10m × 6m
- Position
- All conditions
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A vigorous but somewhat tender climber. It flowers during June and July when it produces clusters of small creamy-white flowers that have a honey fragrance. The flowers are, individually, little cups that carry masses of white stamens. They are followed by small fruits that are white striped. The plant climbs on aerial roots and can cling to a wall. The leaves are green and shiny, tapering to a point. The flowers appear on new wood so prune after flowering if needed. It is shade tolerant but performs better in sunshine. In its natural habitat, the Appalachians in the USA, it may be found climbing Liriodendron tulipifera - the tulip tree. It is also happy clambering over rocks or up walls. They need well drained acidic soils that always contain moisture and a warm and sheltered position.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet-honey
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 10m
- Spread
- 6m
- Height in 10 years
- 5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Small scale garden
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous)
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover
- Walls
- East, South, West facing
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring · Outdoors
Apply acidic mulch
Where soil is only just acidic, apply mulch with a high acidic content such as leaf mould, or mulch for ericaceous plants. Alternatively the plant can benefit from a feed of iron supplement (iron chelate) such as sequestrol.
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.