A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2006 climbing hydrangea question..

I am considering planting some climbing hydrangea this spring. I know they are quite vigorous and will climb to 50 feet. Here is my dilemma: I live in a non-stone house, it will need to be painted in about 5 years - should I plant them to climb on the house? Are they the sort of plant I could cut down when I need to paint and scrape off the little pieces that will stick to the house, if I do cut it down, will it come back? I have a feeling I am asking for trouble . Any thoughts?

Climbing hydrangeas are rather slow growing and often take 3 or more years to even bloom. I planted two of them 3 years ago and they've just this year made it up to the top of the 6' wall I planted them against. So in 5 years you probably wouldn't have too much growth to cut back, and by doing so they may not bloom for a few more years.

I've actually been thinking more about it, I'm still toying with whether or not to do them over the door up front or to plant them in the back where they will grow over my screened in porch back by the shade garden - I guess I will see what my muse suggests this spring. I really want the door up front, but I'm afraid I'll have to wait another 3 yers when we paint, maybe I'll just plant two - have you ever had any luck propigating them from stem cuttings?