PlantFiles: Sargent Hydrangea, Climbing Hydrangea
Hydrangea aspera 'Sargentiana'

From the sources "Hydrangeas for American Gardens," by Michael A. Dirr (2004), and "Encyclopedia of Hydrangeas" C.J. and D.M. Van Gelderen (2004 - Timber Press):

H. aspera subsp. sargentiana (Rehder) McClintock 1956

This is actually a subspecies of H. aspera. It is slow growing, developing into a huge plant in time, up to 8 feet. Leaves are 8 to 9 inches long, rich velvety green and pubescent. Grayish pubescent below, and bristly pubescent stems. The leaves are course-textured with an undulating surface. Flat flowerheads are 5 to 6 inches in diameter, pale purple in the center with white ray flowers around the perimeter. Sepals can change to pink and mauve, and the fertile flowers may become more bluish with faint fragrance.
Prefers cooler summers (above zone 7b). Needs some shelter for best results but is hardy unless touched by late spring frosts. Develops flowers earlier than Villosa Group. Can be propagated by root suckers.

This hydrangea is very tall with velvety green leaves and lace cap like pale lavender flowers with white center. It is fabulous and grows well in my zone 6-7 garden. No disease problems and the deer have not touched it (so far).