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Hydrangea Tree
Kimberly Mooneyham
The term "hydrangea tree" is somewhat misleading since this term generally refers to the Climbing Hydrangea, a vine capable of climbing over 50 feet high as long as it has access to a sturdy foundation on which to ascend. Out of the five species grown in the U.S., the Climbing Hydrangea is the only hydrangea plant which eventually resembles a good-sized tree when full grown.
Climbing Hydrangea "trees" are deciduous, flowering vines that give birth to delicate, white flowers or lace-caps about four to five inches across in size. Leaves are rich green in the summer but later appearing yellow in the fall, during which time the branches are exposed to reveal the charming, rustic appearance of its peeling, sepia-colored bark.
Most flowering vines do not grow well in shade but the Hydrangea vine is an exception. When planted in hotter climates, it actually prefers some cool shade in which to reinvigorate itself, along with soil that is kept moist, well-drained and fully integrated with humus. Growers of hydrangea vines should also attempt to maintain a somewhat acidic soil pH.
In regards to growth rate, the hydrangea vine resembles other sturdy vines in that it can be slow to mature. Just remember that "vines sleep the first year, creep the next year and finally leap in the third"! Once this sweet smelling vine starts to sprout, however, you won't need to prune it much, except maybe to remove a damaged or awkwardly clinging branch.
An interesting bit of information about the hydrangea vine involves the origin of its name. Hydr- is the Greek root for water or hydration and angeon is also Greek for vessel. This makes sense in light of the fact that many types of hydrangea need plenty of water, hence the name "water vessel" was given to it many years ago.
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