Design

Eclipse® Bigleaf Hydrangea: An Amazing New Hydrangea with Black Leaves

Nope, we didn’t color edit that photo—it’s a dark-leaved hydrangea

By Fine Gardening editors Fine Gardening – Issue 215
Eclipse bigleaf hydrangea
Courtesy of Bailey Nurseries

There are a bazillion bigleaf hydrangeas out there. So when a new one comes out, it really needs to stand out from the crowd. Meet Eclipse® bigleaf hydrangea—a unique selection with dark purple leaves that hold their color throughout the gardening season. In summer the dramatic foliage is accompanied by striking cranberry blooms with white centers.

Eclipse bigleaf hydrangea
Photo by Tracy Walsh Photo, Courtesy of Bailey Nurseries

black leaves of eclipse hydrangea
Courtesy of Bailey Nurseries

Growers are also reporting that this baby is resistant to powdery mildew and Cercospora leaf spot. Just imagine all the great combinations you can create with that foliage in a container or in the landscape.

Eclipse® bigleaf hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmacseven’

Zones: 5–9

Size: 3 to 5 feet tall and wide

Conditions: Partial shade; average, well-drained soil

Native range: China, Japan, Korea

Sources:

• Nature Hills Nursery, Omaha, NE; 402-934-8116; naturehills.com

• Wilson Bros Gardens, McDonough, GA; 770-573-1778; wilsonbrosgardens.com

 

More on growing hydrangeas:

Guide to Growing Bigleaf Hydrangeas

When to Prune Bigleaf Hydrangeas?

Do Deer Eat Hydrangeas?

Adjusting soil pH for Hydrangeas

 

See more cool plants:

Lots more Super Cool Plants

Plants with Black Foliage

The Best of the Newer Hydrangeas

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

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Sturdy yet lightweight, these obelisks provide ample support for climbing plants while being easy to install and move. The medium obelisk stands 68 1/2" high overall with a diameter of about 9 1/2", compact enough for smaller containers indoors or out. The large size stands 86 1/2" high with a diameter of 15 3/4", ideal for larger outdoor spaces and containers.
Buy at Lee Valley

Gardener's Supply Company Summerweight Fabric Plant Cover

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Ideal for summertime pest control, this garden cover effectively screens out Japanese beetles, potato beetles, cabbage worms, leaf miners, carrot flies and most vine borers. It transmits 97.6% of the light to your plants without allowing heat build-up, and it provides cold protection down to 41° F, to extend your growing season.
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ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner

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Telescopes from 4 to 7'. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning.
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