Hello,

It would be interesting to see what other gardeners recommend to answer this question but I would add some shop-bought compost and shredded newspaper or polystyrene to the mix. Maybe?? This is my opinion but I might be wrong.

Isn't a climbing hydrangea far too big and vigorous for a container though? They will cover a whole house side given time.

How large are the containers? Both those plants get HUGE and are very vigorous.

Snap!

Thanks for your replies: I have many climbing hydrangeas and virginia creepers elsewhere in the garden so know how high they can go but plan to keep these potted ones in check around a back door. My main query was regarding planting straight into garden compost: we have finally mastered the art of making wonderful compost and have up to now used it for mulches and adding to the soil when planting new shrubs etc., but I wondered what I have to add, if anything, to plant directly into it instead of using shop-bought compost.

I think it'll be fine. The only quality of the compost might be its water retentive capacity, so it might need some soil with it to help retain moisture.

Best climbing hydrangea I've ever seen was in really poor soil jammed up tight between a brick wall and the compacted earth of the nursery driveway.