I have a beautiful climbing hydrangea, which has attached itself directly to my house reaching about 30 ft. al

Yes, any climbing plant will damage the mortar between bricks and rock. The roots need somewhere to grab and that is the spot they choose. These plants hang on during wind storms and adverse weather, and despite the weight of a 30 foot high plant, don't fall to the ground. They are really attached good.



The problem is that if you don't take care of the issue -- and sacrifice the plant, you could be looking at the repointing or restuccoing of an entire wall, a multi-thousand dollar venture. In fact, to have reached 30 feet tall, I would imagine the damage is already done.



Looking at it in that light, why not enjoy is while it is there and be prepared to spend $15,000 or more to fix the wall when it starts falling down? Because, you see, as the wall gives way (and water soaks in), the mortar will crumble and all will fall down -- the pretty hydrangea, the wall, etc. You might want to start saving now, because when the wall falls, you'll need the repairmen in ASAP.



Next time, just think they are beautiful on OTHER people's houses, OK? I speak from personal knowledge. We had a wall of ivy and I remember one summer we killed the ivy at the roots, watched as it died on the walls, and waited for the verdict by the home inspector ... yes, the entire 3 story wall had to have a new stucco job. My folks were not happy and kept saying to us kids, "Yes, ivy is pretty on other people's houses." I should think the same would apply for hydrangea. BTW, $15K was the price in 1977. It may have gone up since then.

I have a beautiful climbing hydrangea, which has attached itself directly to my house reaching about 30 ft. al
I'm not sure. Do you want to remove it. If you do I injected using a syringe a glycophosphate commonly called Roundup into the stem. The plant detached itself and shrivelled up. Otherwise if you don't I agree with you that a majestic plant of that height is indeed beautiful.
Reply:The hydranga will not amage the wall, unless you have very old fashioned lime mortar! Leave it where it is; it is beautiful, provides food for wildlife, and provides insulation for your house.
Reply:Pulling the plant away from the wall will set it back but should not kill it, there will be masses of roots left firmly attached to the wall, to clear away before you can paint. Climbing hydrangeas climb up rock faces as a natural habit. If you build a detachable trellis the plant will simply go through the trellis and re attach itself to the wall.

Valecroft Nurseries and Gardens.

ben