Yes, I’ve done it again I’m afraid, chosen a Plant of the Week with a very tough name to remember. However, jot this name down and take it with you when you go to the nursery because it is a terrific plant.  It resembles a climbing hydrangea - hence the ‘hydrangeoides’ second part of its name.  However, unlike a climbing hydrangea that can take years to bloom in this region, mine and those I put in other gardens bloomed the first year they were planted.

It climbs using a series of arial roots that attach to your fence or wall.  My plant is about five years old and is doing a great job covering an old board fence.  The leaves are a lovely blue silver cast and have dark green veining - the blossoms are a very pretty cream/white colour.  In all a great woody vine for sun or shade.

Siting:  Sun or part shade

Some drought resistance; can have die-back in cold winters (-25C)

Long period of bloom

Size:  3 meters (so far)

Barbara’s Stars **** 4/5