Before I moved to Solano County I had no idea hydrangeas are such popular ornamental plants that grow well in this area. These natives to eastern Siberia, Japan, South Korea and Japan encompass well over 75 species. In the past ten years I collected my fair share — mop heads, lace caps and flat flower heads. But my favorite is a climbing hydrangea I planted in a small strip of soil sandwiched between a sidewalk and an old wooden fence that separates us from a neighbor. Enjoying a northeast exposure, this spectacular vine is quite happy. And so am I.

Hydrangea anomala subspecies petiolaris, although deciduous, rewards me with color in all four seasons.

• Heart-shaped dark green leaves sprout in spring and last until fall.

• In late spring to early summer, a mass of showy clusters of creamy white to greenish yellow flowers surrounded by an outer ring of flattened white flowers bloom in a lace cap design.

• Fall's cooler weather colors the leaves bright yellow.

• By late fall and into winter, mature stems and exfoliating bark turn an attractive cinnamon brown.

What's most intriguing about this hydrangea is its growth pattern. Slow to grow, the vine takes a couple years to establish and a little over three years to flower. In time, Hydrangea anomala subspecies petiolaris bushes out in an intriguing tiered effect shooting up, out and to the side. The growth is easy to trim and shape. Research reveals that planting against a wall is discouraged since detaching the stems is difficult.

So far I have yet to see any disease or insect holes in this hydrangea's leaves. I appreciate its hardy nature. My particular plant has survived Vacaville's summer heat and the last season's over-the-top rainfall. Its name emanates from hydro meaning water, anomalas meaning vine-like and petiolaris referring to its long petioles.