When should I plant a hydrangea prtiolaris, and how is it best to buy one?

Question

We want one to plant against a shady northerly wall in a small walled urban garden in London.

Answer 1

The best time to plant a Hydrangea is in the spring or the fall.  However, if your enjoying summer now, it isn't to late.  You just want to give the plant a good foundation for the upcoming winter.  Hydrangea's flower on "old wood" so make sure not to cut or trim the stalks you think are dead.  Lastly, if you want your Hydrangea to have a different color use a fertilizer for acid loving plants.  I planted one last fall and it is producing big, beautiful flowers.

Answer 2

hydrangea petiolaris, or climbing hydrangea....

wonderful, slow growing plant..... read here....

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/...

I grow all of them but this one.... but were I to get one, I'd buy it in spring and plant it then..... first because I'd want one that had spent a lovely time in the greenhouse all winter with little stress..... not one that had sat out in a sales lot all summer!.... spring plants are eager to grow, too.... and have been encouraged in the greenhouse with fertilizer and tender care with watering, to be sure the plant is 'attractive' to a buyer....

definitely buy one from a reliable nursery that grows their plants in your area moreso than a large store that has them 'shipped in' from who knows where.... a hometown nursery will have plants that are already acclimated to your area's weather.....

enjoy watching your plant grow... and have patience... it might take several years to see blooms, but they'll be well worth it.... here's a shot of what's to come...

http://www.dkimages.com/discover/preview...