A pair of Schizophragma - Schizophragma hydrangeoides and the variety Rose Sensation (Roseum)

A duo of climbing false hydrangeas composed of the species Schizophragma hydrangeoides with white flowers and its less vigorous variety 'Rose Sensation' (Roseum) with pink flowers. These two deciduous climbing bushes produce wide, lace-like inflorescences for 3 weeks between June and August. Their long stems with aerial roots firmly cling to their support, whether it be a tree or a wall. An ideal duo to cover a wall that rarely receives sunlight, a shaded pergola, or even a bare old tree. The Japanese Hydrangea can also spread on the ground. This plant can withstand -20 °C.

This duo is composed of:

1 x Schizophragma hydrangeoides: this plant will reach up to 10 m in height, and spread over 4 m. Its 20 cm diameter, airy inflorescences are composed in the centre of small clusters of tiny pale, nectar-rich, fertile flowers surrounded by sterile flowers with large white bracts. The foliage is deciduous, composed of large dark green heart-shaped, 10 to 20 cm long leaves, with finely toothed margins and a slightly silver underside and turns yellow or red in autumn before falling.

1 x Schizophragma hydrangeoides 'Rose Sensation' (synonym 'Roseum'): a variety not exceeding 6 m in height, with flattened inflorescences of 10 to 25 cm in diameter. In this form, the floral bracts, initially cream white, turn pink at the end of flowering. The colouration is often absent in young subjects. Its foliage is identical to that of the species.

Once three years old, Schizophragma hydrangeoides attaches itself using tendrils located on its aerial roots. It will be useful to tie the stems of young subjects to help them climb on their support. This plant does not like dry or poor soils, or limestone. It likes slightly moist humus, thick and fertile soil. Respect a spacing of 2.50 m between two plants to cover a wall. Mulch in summer to save on watering and maintain soil moisture.

Along with ivy and its close relative Hydrangea petiolaris, the climbing false hydrangea from Japan is one of the few climbers that thrives in shade. That's why it is used to enhance neglected areas of the garden. This duo will provide a very decorative effect on a north-facing wall or the trunk of a mature tree. While it prefers a shaded and protected exposure, some light is still needed for the plants to flower properly: morning sun is ideal. This climber can also spread on the ground, like ivy.