Schizophragma hydrangeoides Red Rhapsody

The Schizophragma hydrangeoides 'Red Rhapsody' is a variety of climbing Hydrangea from Japan known for its red spring shoots, which are particularly decorative. With slow growth and medium habit, this plant can be used freely in small gardens, to cover a wall or climb a tree. In summer, the foliage is adorned with white flowers resembling those of Hydrangeas. Ideal for adding life to shaded areas of the garden in a moderately cold climate, the climbing Hydrangea from Japan prefers cool, slightly acidic soils that are devoid of limestone. This recent variety will delight enthusiasts of unique plants. 

Schizophragma belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family, a small plant family consisting of about ten genera, or perhaps a few more depending on botanical classifications. In gardens, we are mainly familiar with Hydrangeas, which come in various species and have diverse appearances, as well as flowering shrubs such as Deutzia and Philadelphus.

The Schizophragma hydrangeoides is native to wooded and humid regions of Asia, China, the Himalayas, Japan, and Korea. It is a vigorous climber, capable of reaching a height of 10m (33ft), and thrives in shaded conditions. It is also one of the few climbers that flowers in the shade. It is often mistaken for the Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris, the most well-known climbing Hydrangea, which indeed resembles it.

The 'Red Rhapsody' selection is derived from seeds collected in China by the American botanist Daniel J. Hinkley. A collection of his discoveries is housed at Monrovia Nurseries, the largest in North America, with the aim of ensuring their availability on the market. He selected this variety primarily for the uniqueness of its young shoots, which are red in colour in spring. Also known as Schizophragma ellipticum, likely due to the shape of its leaves, which are indeed elliptical, it also captivates with its decorative red petioles.

With slow growth, this Schizophragma is much less vigorous than the botanical species, as it reaches a height of only 4.50 or 5m (15 or 16ft), with a width of 1.50 to 2m (5 to 7ft). Its stems are equipped with small climbing roots that allow it to climb on a wall or tree trunk. In summer, it produces corymbs of cream-white flowers, measuring 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) in diameter, composed of fertile flowers in the centre, surrounded by sterile sepals on the periphery (which are mainly decorative). These inflorescences closely resemble the flowers of certain Hydrangeas or Viburnums, and can be admired throughout the summer, from June to August.

This variety is satisfactorily hardy, resistant to -15°C and even lower temperatures if somewhat sheltered from cold winds and planted in well-drained soil. These plants do not tolerate overly dry or poor soils, nor do they like limestone, preferring humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic pH. In neutral soil, the planting hole should be enriched with ericaceous compost to both lower the pH and improve water retention, as Schizophragma does not tolerate drought.

Plant the Schizophragma 'Red Rhapsody' against a support, such as a tree trunk or a shaded wall. This climber can also spread along the ground, similar to ivy. Well-suited for small gardens due to its limited dimensions, it will thrive if you let it climb at the base of a tree in a bed of acid-loving plants. You can then plant Rhododendrons alongside it, which will extend the flowering season of your Schizophragma as they bloom in spring. And with autumn-flowering Camellias (Camellia sasanqua), you can prolong the flowering season nearly all year round!