Q Why hasn’t my Hydrangea anomala ‘Brookside Littleleaf’ produced flowers?
A MATTHEW SAYS Also known as Schizophragma hydrangeoides, ‘Brookside Littleleaf’ is a great choice for gardeners who love the climbing Hydrangea peteolaris but don’t have room for what – eventually – turns into a whopper. ‘Brookside Littleleaf’, as the name implies, has smaller leaves and is also more compact, making it ideal for low walls up to 1.2m high or so. Hydra is derived from the Greek water monster of the same name, a good indication that this plant needs regular moisture and humus-rich, free- draining soil. The ideal location is east-facing, receiving early sun but shaded from extreme heat later in the day. In your south-facing spot you must ensure the soil remains moist. It’s worth noting that four years is the minimum length of time before a first flowering; five or six years is quite normal.