Growing climbing hydrangea

[GeraltOfRivia]

We have some hydrangea cuttings from our neighbour which I'm currently waiting to root. We want something that ultimately will climb across the front of the house because it's wonky. It's all tied in place and repaired now but looks tipsy still. The side to cover is mostly north facing but being at a slight angle does get sun in the PM. I have two options. I can plant in a deep bed next to the garage where it will never get any direct light or we could build a box above the garage roof to grow from there but this would be more exposed.

I'm very much learning as I go here so if anyone has advice or tips they'd be much appreciated.

Red arrow is shady damp spot. Yellow arrow is potential box type spot and bit we want to cover.

Good choice of plant. I’d definitely plant in the ground, they thrive in shade and if you put it in a box you’d be watering it a lot. Plus I think it would need a big heavy box.

However it will grow faster if it’s leaves are not in a completely shaded area. Could you put it in a pot in a sunnier spot until it’s say 1m high and able to reach the sun a bit when it’s in situ. Then plant it in the ground.

Oh thanks so much @peajotter that's really useful. Yes, I have pots that it can go in until it's bigger without issue. I will try that and only put it in situ once it's tall enough to peek out!

Climbing hydrangea aren't that fast growing though. I planted one 2 years ago that was already about 60 cm long and it did nothing in the first year in terms of growth and about10-15 cm in year two. It will take a fair few years before it is arching over the door.

That's ok @belfasteast. We haven't any plans to go go anywhere while the kids are in school so we have at least a decade

Mine’s growing in complete shade, dampish soil, planted about 7 years ago and it’s 10’ high so doing pretty well.

@strawberry thanks.

Hi OP. I read this the other day and had to add a picture of my climbing hydrangea as it’s my pride and joy. I bought it 4 years ago as a tiny plug plant from Morrison’s for a pound. It is planted in a east facing bed and is doing really well.
I’ve found that although it try’s to attach itself to the fence the weight of it pulls it down so I have had to stake it and tie the bigger shots in to the fence to give it some support.

*Tries to attach

I had one at my last house that my dad gave me as a cutting. For four years it grew very slowly and barely flowered. Now it hides a large ugly brick wall and interweaves along the some open fencing and is gorgeous. As I understand it, they don't like being moved and that moving them can arrest growth for a couple of years, so although it's good to start it in a pot, as soon as it is established it's good to get it in it's permanent position.

Echoing all the others, climbers really grow best in the ground.

Improve the ground you are going to plant it in - so add lots of manure and be prepared to water well while it establishes. Planted that close to the wall it'll be very dry for it.

The is everyone who has replied with help and tips. Yours is gorgeous @Postmanbear

Wow @postmanbear that's really cute. I've got one but it's done fuck all. Might get out and tie it up to give it as much sun as poss.

I have one that is just getting going but it is still very woody and unmalleable - thats looks like quite small space for it to grow up - wouldnt you want something with thinner stems?