Tuesday, October 23, 2012

A Most Superlative Vine -

Hydrangea petiolaris - every gardener should have one of these tucked into the garden somewhere. 

Seventeen years ago we removed five, mature, hundred plus foot tall White Pines from the back yard. That created lots of new gardening space and I was able to add the third terrace to our large perennial border on the hill. I'd seen a climbimg hydrangea on a garden tour and decided to plant one at the foot of our mature oak tree at the corner of the terrace garden. 

Well, it was pretty slow to get started in the beginning and didn't produce any flowers for five years or so but gardening is all about waiting isn't it?  As the years went by the vine went from creeping to leaping and now cloaks the oak (he he he, couldn't help myself) to a height of fifty feet! And it's such a beauty. 

In spring when the fresh leaves emerge and the blossoms smother the tree it can take your breath away but my very favorite time with this beauty is its fall glory. The leaves turn brilliant glowing yellow and add to the glorious fall colors of the season.

















18 comments:

  1. Gorgeous pictures of your perennial border and climbing hydrangea. The vibrant yellow agains the blue background is stunning. This plant has multi-season beauty! Thanks.

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    1. Thanks! I love the gnarly stems on the oak trunk in the winter as well.

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  2. Deanne...OMG!...I have never seen anything like it..!! why doesn't everyone grow one?....I have hydrangeas here...and one is even doing very well but I SO wish i could have one of the climbers here...alas too hot I would bete in 9a...that border is to die for!!thank you for sharing...the bloom, it is phenomenal but that last picture is art....

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    1. Thanks Sharon, it really is a winner and a focal point in my back gardens

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  3. I bought a little one last spring Deanne. I'm not sure it is in the right place either.... I certainly never considered sensational fall colour in my scheme, that's for sure! So much to rethink during the winter months!

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    1. Thanks Marie, don't move the one you planted, just get another! LOL

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  4. I totally agree. This vine is superb and mine is lit now, too.

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    1. Don't you just adore the fall color these beauties produce? I almost lost that oak tree in the 'Snowtober' storm a year ago and am so thankful I didn't.

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  5. What a beautiful vine when you can get it to grow. I have a poorly planted variegated version that has done nothing-barely grows at all. Maybe I'll move it again this fall and cross my fingers.

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    1. This one took a few years to begin growing well but once it did it took off. I've also got a couple in the heavily shaded area next to the shed and they are finally beginning to grow well. I think they were planted five years ago now

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  6. Wow Deanne,
    Your photos are awesome and so is your fall garden.
    Love all the fall colors.
    GB Gregorson

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  7. Oh, how I wish I could grow that plant. I tried, and the heat promptly killed it. I love seeing yours. Beautiful photos.~~Dee

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    1. Thanks Dee! I'd be sad if I couldn't grow this but there is so much you can do in your zone that I can't

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  8. Truly magnificent Deanne! Blooms are pretty and the fall color is an added bonus. I have a tiny variegated one that I think I should move to a bigger tree after seeing what they can eventually do.

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    1. Thanks Michelle, it really is a winner in my book.

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  9. you are awesome so I nominated you for the beautiful Blogger Award..if you care to do ti ..7 things about you and 15 recommendations

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    1. Why thank you Sharon! that's lovely, I'd love to to it. What exactly do I need to to?

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