Climbing Hydrangea Silver Lining A new, elegantly variegated climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea anomala subsp petiolaris Silver Lining is a large, woody, self-clinging, deciduous climber. The ovate to elliptical leaves are deep grey-green, with pretty, irregular cream variegation. In summer, large, domed heads of white lace-cap flowers are carried, good for pollinators. Climbing hydrangea Silver Lining is slow-growing to start with, but has a medium growth-rate later, clinging to a wall by aerial roots. It flowers on last year’s wood, so prune if necessary in late autumn or early spring, although this will restrict flowering that year. Good for lighting up a north wall. Site: Tolerates exposureSoil: Fertile, moist but well-drained soilPosition: Full sun to partial shadeSeason of interest: Spring to autumnHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: up to 50’ (15m) Spread: 10’ (3m) Photo taken by Leonora Enking, cropped, and licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 2.0.