hydrangea advice - Ask Extension
hi there, I'm in Portland and I planted this climbing hydrangea about 8 years ago. It has never bloomed. Also, every year it gets devoured by
som...
Knowledgebase
hydrangea advice #926240
Asked March 18, 2026, 1:46 PM EDT
hi there, I'm in Portland and I planted this climbing hydrangea about 8 years ago. It has never bloomed. Also, every year it gets devoured by
something that notches all its leaves. It kills me to see it like this, knowing what's coming! What can I do to protect it?
Thanks in advance
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Barbara,
Thank you for using Ask Extension.
If the plant is in full shade, it will have significantly fewer blooms.
In researching this, the plant blooms on old wood so if you have been aggressive in pruning the plant, you may be cutting out the branches that would bloom. It's not uncommon for the plant to take three to five years to start blooming. Since you are past that I would recommend that you avoid pruning for several years and simply train the branches. Some varieties can grow to more than 20 feet in length.
The notching of the leaves is likely caused by root weevils. This article from the PNW Pest Management handbook for Insects will provide management and control information
Landscape pests-Root weevil | Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks
Thank you for using Ask Extension.
If the plant is in full shade, it will have significantly fewer blooms.
In researching this, the plant blooms on old wood so if you have been aggressive in pruning the plant, you may be cutting out the branches that would bloom. It's not uncommon for the plant to take three to five years to start blooming. Since you are past that I would recommend that you avoid pruning for several years and simply train the branches. Some varieties can grow to more than 20 feet in length.
The notching of the leaves is likely caused by root weevils. This article from the PNW Pest Management handbook for Insects will provide management and control information
Landscape pests-Root weevil | Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks
Thank you!!
On Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 12:44:16 PM PDT, Ask Extension wrote:
