If it seems like hydrangeas macrophyllas are appearing in every garden you see, you’re not mistaken. These extravagant, vibrant flowers continue to be immensely favored—so much so that approximately 10 million of these plants are sold each year. With their abundance of delicate blues, purples, and more, they remain a favorite among gardening enthusiasts.
vibrant pink hydrangea cultivars you’d love to cultivate in your garden
, if your hope is to
convert your outdoor space into a chilling paradise using gothic garden concepts
, you may be astonished to discover that dark-colored hydrangeas are also available. Introducing: the Eclipse hydrangea.
Commonly referred to as Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmacseven’, the Eclipse hydrangea is a patented variety developed through cultivation by
First Editions
This plant took a decade to develop and stands out remarkably among flowering plants. It’s the very first authentic dark-leaf mophead hydrangea, boasting bold, deep purple leaves enhanced by hints of cranberry green. So captivating is this shrub that it was awarded the prestigious title of Best New Plant during the 2024 BBC Gardeners’ World Live show in the UK. Judges were particularly impressed by its vivid hues and notably resilient, disease-free foliage.
Read more:
The Easy-Care Suspended Planter Bloom That Thrives In Warmth And Enhances Your Deck’s Appeal
Growing and Tending to Eclipse Hydrangeas in Your Garden
Although these beautiful flowers might seem like they require a lot of care, understanding
How to cultivate and look after hydrangeas
It’s really straightforward, even when dealing with an Eclipse hydrangea. These plants thrive within USDA Hardiness zones 5 to 9. Consequently, they may struggle surviving harsh winters in locations such as North Dakota or Montana, yet they flourish beautifully in more temperate regions further south. If you have the opportunity to cultivate one—consider yourself fortunate—and remember to place it in a spot in your garden where it receives partial shade along with some early sun exposure. Also ensure it has ample space since these stunning bushes can reach heights and widths of up to five feet.
These beautifully dark bushes usually come into view in early summer, with their initial blossoms appearing between mid-June until late August. Similar to other varieties of bigleaf hydrangea, the Eclipse variety produces flowers on stems from the prior year’s growth. Therefore, when pruning towards the end of the growing season, take care not to remove branches that will bear next year’s blooms. To enjoy an increasingly vibrant display of cranberry-hued flowers every summer, plant these shrubs in well-drained soil during early autumn. This timing allows sufficient root establishment before the cold months set in. Ensure consistent moisture for your plants, particularly during periods of high heat and drought, to maintain robust health over successive years.
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