Evergreen Climbing Hydrangea Plants

• Variety: Evergreen Climbing Hydrangea, a self-clinging climber for a shady wall
• Latin name: Hydrangea seemannii
• Type: Evergreen, self-clinging climber
• Sold as: Pot-grown, in 9cm and 3 litre pots
• Mature size: 8 to 12m tall, 2.5 to 4m wide
• Time to full size: 10 to 20 years
• Flowers: White lacecap flowerheads in summer, scented in the evening
• Climbing method: Self-clinging, by aerial roots
• Position: Sun or shade, sheltered. Good on a north or north-east wall
• Soil: Moist but well-drained, enriched with organic matter
• Hardiness: H4. It stands only a few degrees of frost, so give it shelter
• Delivered: Pot-grown, all year when in stock. Collection from Castle Cary also available

This is the Climbing Hydrangea that keeps its leaves: leathery and evergreen, with white lacecap flowerheads in summer. It clings by aerial roots, grows in sun or full shade, and suits a sheltered north wall. It is less hardy than its deciduous cousin, so shelter matters.

Evergreen Climbing Hydrangea Plants

Hydrangea 'seemannii' is a lovely evergreen climbing hydrangea from Mexico, introduced to the UK in the 1980s. It has very attractive lance-shaped serrated leaves and beautiful lacecap white flowers from June until September. The buds are shaped like ducks eggs and soon develop to blooms of 6" across with a delicious evening scent.

It's hardy to -5°C and so will need some protection from heavy frosts while establishing. It prefers to grow in shade, even dense shade and, being evergreen, it'll not be happy in exposed positions where wind and cold will spoil the foliage. It needs a moisture retentive soil.

Browse our full range of climbing plants.

Garden Design Ideas

Hydrangea 'seemannii' is perfect as a climber in a sheltered, shady site where the lovely evergreen foliage and beautiful white blooms will provide interest all year round. It can be planted on a north or north-east wall. It climbs with the help of aerial roots but may need some support initially.

It can also be grown beneath a strong deciduous tree where it'll get plenty of shade and support. It's necessary, however, to ensure that it's kept moist as it'll not thrive in a dry area. It has also been used as a ground cover plant and, when pruned to shape, as a free standing shrub as the stems are strong and upright

Plant Care

Hydrangea 'seemannii' is a healthy evergreen climber but can suffer from chlorosis. If the leaves take on a yellow tinge, water sequestrene around the roots and spray the foliage with a dilute solution of Epsom salts.

The leaves can suffer in an exposed site, so it's essential to give it some shelter.

Apart from these two minor problems, it's healthy and fairly easy to grow.

History & Trivia

Introduced into the UK by Neil Tressider of Truro in the 1980's from the Sierra Madre in Mexico, since when it has become widely available and is now extensively grown. It gets its name from the botanist Berthold Carl Seemann, born in 1825, who studied at Kew and travelled widely as a plant collector.

Planting Companions

On a colder or more open wall, plant its deciduous cousin, the Petiolaris Climbing Hydrangea, which climbs the same way. Common Ivy is the other evergreen self-clinger for deep shade, and Star Jasmine is the evergreen to choose for a warm, sunny wall.

Why Ashridge for Climbers?

Ashridge has sold plants since 1949 and is a Which? Best Plant Supplier 2025. Your Evergreen Climbing Hydrangea comes pot-grown, in a 9cm or a 3 litre pot, so you can plant it in any month of the year, as long as the ground is neither frozen nor waterlogged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hydrangea seemannii evergreen?

Yes. It keeps its leathery leaves all year, which is the difference between it and the deciduous Climbing Hydrangea, petiolaris.

Does it need wires or a trellis?

Not in the long run. It clings with aerial roots. A young plant may need tying in until those roots take hold.

Will it grow on a north wall?

Yes. It grows in sun or in full shade, and it needs shelter more than it needs light.

How hardy is it?

Not very. It stands a few degrees of frost and no more. Grow it on a sheltered wall and protect a young plant in a hard winter.

How big does it grow?

In time it can climb to between 8 and 12 metres and spread 4 metres across. It is slow to start, so allow ten years or more.

When do you prune it?

After flowering, and only to keep it in bounds.

When are the plants delivered?

All year. The plants are pot-grown, so they can be delivered and planted in any month when you find them in stock.