Hydrangea Firefly

About Climbing Hydrangea

• Climbing hydrangeas grow up to 30 feet tall both by twining branches around their supports and by sending out aerial rootlets. They also grow as 3- to 4-foot shrubs if not given climbing support. Climbing hydrangeas have large, crinkly, heart-shaped leaves and large flat clusters of white flowers in early summer. The fragrant, lacy flowers have small fertile flowers in the center, surrounded by a ring of showy sterile flowers, much like a lace cap hydrangea. Climbing hydrangeas add interest to the winter garden with their persistent dried flowers and peeling, cinnamon-colored bark. They're hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant zones 4 to 8, although they're not as vigorous in the heat of the South.

Firefly

• "Firefly" is a new cultivar of climbing hydrangea developed by horticulturalist Dan Benarcik. Instead of solid green foliage, "Firefly" has showy variegated foliage. When it first leafs out in the spring, the new foliage is green with bright, creamy-yellow margins. As the summer progresses, the yellow margins darken first to chartreuse and then to dark green, so that by fall, the leaves no longer appear variegated. Growth habit and flowering are identical to regular climbing hydrangeas.

"Firefly" Culture

• Grow "Firefly" climbing hydrangeas in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained, rich soil. In harsh climates, it's best planted on the north or east side of buildings, where it will get some protection from drying winter winds and strong summer sun. Climbing hydrangeas like "Firefly" are slow to establish, so you will see little top growth for the first year or two. Once established, they're vigorous growers.

Using "Firefly" in the Landscape

• Firefly is a thick and heavy vine, so grow it on a substantial pergola or up a chimney or tree. It's especially nice planted next to a patio or window so you can enjoy the sweet fragrance. A dark background makes the bright, variegated foliage stand out.