Climbing Hydrangea vs. False Hydrangea Vine
What Would You like to Learn About Today?
- February 9, 2021
Unlike other hydrangeas you may know, these vines use little rootlets to climb trees, walls, fireplaces, and other structures. In late spring/early summer, they’re covered in fragrant lacy blooms. At first glance, the differences between Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris) and False Hydrangea Vine (Schizophragma hydrangeoides) may be too subtle to notice. But it’s their little differences that make them each oh so special. We’ll point out what makes them unique, then leave it to you to pick which is your favorite!


Making showy flowers can be costly, so both plants strategize with flower heads consisting of both showy and non-showy flowers. The fertile flowers are the non-showy reproductive structures in the middle of the flower head, with showy sterile (infertile) flowers surrounding it to attract pollinators. The sterile flowers of Climbing Hydrangea resemble small white hydrangea flowers. False Hydrangea Vine has single, sail-like bracts instead. The results are two different lacy flowers with appealing textures and prominent fragrance!
The other main difference is that False Hydrangea Vine comes in a variety of different colored flowers and foliage. We offer it in white with Flirty Girl™ and in pink with Rose Sensation™. Climbing Hydrangea always keeps it classic with white flowers and lush green foliage.
What We Love About Them Both
Shade Tolerant, Totally Beautiful
Shade Tolerant


Worth The Wait
Both climbers take about two years to get established, but once they’ve developed a good root system, they easily cover a structure without overwhelming it. Train them to climb on trees, walls, fireplaces, or anything you want to hide in the garden. Their slow growth makes them very low maintenance!
Written by: Miranda Niemiec, click here to read bio.
Questions, comments, or concerns? Let us know! We have an experienced, knowledgeable staff ready to make sure your garden turns out perfect. Or check out our other blogs, here.
10 native plants (& nativars) to grow this year
In recent years, enthusiasm for gardening has boomed, welcoming beginners to start their first gardens. But that leaves many of them wondering, “what are the best plants to grow?”
10 Perennials You Can Cut Back In Fall (& 10 You Shouldn’t)
The gardening season is coming to a close, and if you live in cold climates, your perennials may already be starting to drop leaves and enter dormancy. Don’t worry...
Our New Must-Have Plant: Geums
With lobed green foliage similar to coral bells and ruffled rose-like blooms, geums (or avens) are quickly gaining popularity among gardeners and cut flower farmers. After growing them, you’ll...
Questions Answered Series: Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus)
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) boasts massive, tropical-looking blooms that transform your yard into a garden oasis. It’s no wonder that this surprisingly cold hardy shrub has gained so...