Schizophragma hydrangeoides Burst of Light

The Schizophragma hydrangeoides 'Burst Of Light' is a delightful representative of the group of climbing hydrangeas. Slow-growing, it can eventually decorate a wall or adorn a tree. With its white flowers resembling those of hydrangeas, and especially its magnificent green foliage marbled with white, it is the ideal plant to brighten up shaded areas of the garden. Growing in a temperate climate, not too cold, it appreciates cool, slightly acidic, non-calcareous soils. This recent variety will delight fans of unique plants. 

Schizophragma belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family, a small plant family with about ten genera, or even a few more depending on botanical classifications. In gardens, we mainly know hydrangeas, which are rich in species with varied appearances, as well as flowering shrubs such as Deutzia and Philadelphus. Schizophragma hydrangeoides is native to wooded and humid regions of Asia; China, the Himalayas, Japan, and Korea. It is a vine that grows in shady conditions and is one of the few climbers that flower in the shade. It is often confused with Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris, the most well-known climbing hydrangea.

Schizophragma hydrangeoides Burst of Light, takes its name from its bright foliage. This recent variety was named and introduced to the market in 2016 by a Polish nursery that selected it in Japan. In 2018, it received the Gold Medal for varietal innovations at the Salon du Végétal, the meeting place for professionals in ornamental plants. It has slow growth (about 50 cm (20in) per year) and is suitable for small gardens. Its maximum height is 6 m (20ft) with a width of about 2.50 m (8ft), but its development can be limited by pruning. Thanks to its small climbing roots, the stems can climb on various supports, such as a wall or tree trunk.

Above all, Schizophragma is perfect for shaded situations, where few other climbers flower properly. And finally, it has beautiful deciduous foliage that is decorative throughout the season until autumn. Its leaves are quite large, about 12 to 18 cm (5 to 7in) long, serrated (meaning the lamina is edged with angular teeth) and borne on a green to reddish petiole. Pointed at the tip, they have an elongated deltoid shape. Very luminous, they are green, irregularly marbled with cream white to varying degrees, so that each leaf displays a unique pattern.

In summer, this Schizophragma produces clusters of white flowers, which can reach 25 cm (10in) in diameter, composed of yellowish fertile flowers in the centre, surrounded by sterile sepals on the periphery. It is mainly these sepals that are decorative, measuring from 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in), with a triangular shape and rounded ends, and a particularly attractive pure white colour. The flowering lasts for 2 to 3 months, from June to August, and the sepals turn green at the end.
The only downside is that Schizophragma has moderate hardiness and will struggle to survive below -15°C (5°F).

Plant the Schizophragma 'Burst of Light' against a support, such as the trunk of a large tree or a shaded wall. This vine can also run along the ground, like ivy, and will brighten up neglected and dark areas of the garden. It is the ideal plant to climb along a large tree, as it grows very well at the base of them. Thus, an American Red Oak will provide it with a strong support to rise and will create a magnificent spectacle in autumn with its flamboyant colours. The Nyssa sylvatica, or Black Tupelo, which thrives in acidic and cool soils, will also create a rare scene full of contrasts in autumn when this tree adorns itself with its orange-red foliage.