[Salmo]

I have a climbing hydrangea on the north wall of my house. This year nothing is growing beneath it, just bare earth covered with last years leaves. Hart's tongue fern, pulmonaria, a fern, ajuca, a sedge, alpine strawberries all refusing to grow beneath it for about 2 foot from the wall. Usually these fight each other for space and need cutting back.

Are the hydrangea leaves toxic or do I need to look elsewhere for a reason?

[mumofstig]

Have the laying leaves prevented the lower plants from growing, simply by keeping them covered, like a mulch?
I never had any trouble with the climbing hydrangea in a previous garden

Is it very dry near the wall?