Pileostegia viburnoides

climbing hydrangea

Eventual height & spread

Pileostegia viburnoides

climbing hydrangea

  • 2 litre pot | 60cm cane
  • £36.54 £42.99
  • available to order from summer
Delivery options
  • Standard £5.99
  • Position: full sun to full shade
  • Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
  • Rate of growth: slow
  • Flowering period: August to September
  • Hardiness: fully hardy


Clusters of tiny, star-shaped, creamy-white flowers with prominent stamens are borne in dense panicles from late summer into the autumn offset against the long, leathery, dark green leaves.

Pileostegia viburnoides is a versatile, self-clinging evergreen climber is perfect for training through a robust tree or covering a shady wall. Best planted in fertile, well-drained soil, it may take up to five years to become fully established.


  • Garden care:
    Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep, then mix in plenty of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Place the plant in the hole, backfill with the enriched soil, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep the roots cool, but keep the roots cool, but keep the mulch away from the stem to prevent rot.

    After flowering shorten the stems to fit the available space.
  • To avoid dry conditions, and to ensure good soil contact around the rootball, we advise planting climbers at least 30cm (12in), and preferably 45-60cm (18-24in) away from the base of a wall or fence. An even larger distance should be maintained when planting climbers beside an existing tree or shrub.