Schizophragma integrifolium

Schizophragma integrifolium, also known as the Chinese climbing Hydrangea, is a vigorous woody climber with a woody stump and aerial roots that can reach up to 8/10m (26/33ft). It has an extraordinary white flowering in late spring and early summer, consisting of cream-white terminal inflorescences. Despite its beauty, this climber is still rarely used in our gardens. It is one of the few climbing plants that thrive in shade, which makes it useful for enhancing neglected areas of the garden.

Schizophragma integrifolium belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family. This species, closely related to climbing hydrangeas, is native to China, where it grows in the undergrowth of mountain slopes and cool valleys. It is a climbing shrub with a woody stump and rooting stems. It can reach a height of 8m (26ft) and spread over 2.50m (8ft), with fairly rapid growth. From 3 years old, the Schizophragma attaches itself using climbing roots and aerial roots. In June-July, there is a long flowering period of at least 3 weeks with flowers mainly produced at the ends of the stems. These are small clusters of tiny sterile flowers surrounded by large trailing, cream-white bracts carried on flat corymbs measuring 25cm (10in) in diameter. The flowering is extraordinary but may take 3 to 4 years to appear. The foliage is deciduous, with dark green, heart-shaped leaves measuring 10 to 20cm (4 to 8in), opposite in arrangement and sometimes with a toothed margin.

Schizophragma integrifolium has medium hardiness and will struggle to survive below - 15°C (59°F). Schizophragma does not like dry or chalky soils. If necessary, add organic matter to maintain moisture. Plant it against a support, such as the trunk of a large tree or a shaded wall. While it prefers a shaded and protected position, it needs light to flower properly, with the morning sun being ideal. This woody climber can also trail along the ground, similar to ivy, and brightens up neglected and dark areas of the garden.