Hydrangea schizophragma ‘Moonlight‘, commonly known as Moonlight Climbing Hydrangea, is a deciduous vine admired for its heart-shaped, silvery blue-green foliage and large, showy white lacecap flowers. Blooming in early to mid-summer, this climbing hydrangea can reach heights of 20 to 30 feet when grown on a sturdy support such as a wall, fence, or pergola.

Moonlight Climbing Hydrangea provides a beautiful vertical accent in shaded or partly shaded areas. While it offers ornamental beauty and versatility in the landscape, it is not a native species and provides limited ecological benefits compared to native plants.

Why Choose Hydrangea schizophragma ‘Moonlight’?

• Unique, silvery foliage adds texture and interest
• Large white lacecap flowers bloom in summer, attracting pollinators
• Vigorous climber ideal for walls, fences, and pergolas in shade or part shade

Cultivating Tips

• Best grown in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soil
• Requires a sturdy support structure for climbing
• Prune after flowering to maintain size and shape

Design Ideas for Your Garden

• Train on walls, pergolas, or fences for vertical interest in shaded areas
• Use as a backdrop in woodland gardens for textural contrast
• Combine with native perennials for a balanced, biodiverse planting

Ecological Benefits

• Attracts pollinators to its summer flowers
• As a non-native species, it offers minimal habitat or food for local wildlife
• Native alternatives provide greater ecological support for birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects

Since Hydrangea schizophragma ‘Moonlight’ is not a native species, here are three native alternatives available at Bumbee’s that provide ecological benefits:

• Parthenocissus quinquefolia – Virginia Creeper: Native vine with vibrant fall color and berries that attract birds
• Rudbeckia fulgida – Black-Eyed Susan: Upright perennial with yellow flowers that support pollinators
• Liatris spicata – Blazing Star: Tall native perennial with purple flower spikes that attract butterflies and bees