Light
Morning sun and afternoon shade. More sun gives darker leaves but needs more water.
Growing guide · Shrubs
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmacseven'
How to grow Bigleaf Hydrangea 'Eclipse®'.
Black leaves. Cranberry flowers. Very dramatic.
- Light
- Full sun, part sun
- Water
- High
- Zones
- 5–9
- Size
- 3–4 ft tall and wide
- Spacing
- 3–4 ft apart.
- Pets
- Not on the ASPCA pet-safe list; keep it out of reach
Water
Keep evenly moist; it wilts fast in heat. Water at the base.
Planting and soil
Plant in spring or early fall in soil with plenty of organic matter, crown at soil level.
Feeding
A balanced slow-release feed in spring.
Pruning
Deadhead through summer. Remove dead stems in spring once buds break.
Through the year
Dark leaves in spring. Flowers from early summer, rebloom through fall.
If something's off
Late frosts can kill early buds, but reblooming wood still flowers. Midday wilting may be heat, not thirst; check soil first. Hydrangeas are toxic to dogs and cats.
Plays well with
Plant it with friends.
Why we stock it: Dark foliage gives it interest all season, not just when it's in flower.
That's everything we know about growing it. Thanks for reading.
Know someone with the right spot? Send them this.
Bigleaf Hydrangea Eclipse®from $96.99 · Arrives alive, or we replace it
The Sunday Tip · every SundayThe Sunday Tip · you're on the list
One good plant idea,
every Sunday.
You're in.
See you Sunday.
What to plant this week in your zone, every Sunday. New ways to plant and odd tricks that actually work.
Sunday's tip is written for your zone: what to plant this week, and a kit that fits.Set your zone and Sunday's tip gets specific: what to plant this week, and a kit that fits.
Patio pot kit
Balcony Brag
Forty square feet, big opinions.
4 plants · $165.92In a pot, any zone
See the kit →
Deer-resistant border kit
Deer Can't Even
Everything in it tastes terrible to deer.
12 plants · $392.88Zones 5–8
See the kit →
Office kit
The Desk Set
Three small plants, one desk.
3 plants · $45Indoors, any zone
See the kit →
Drought garden kit
The Hot, Dry Bank
For the slope the hose doesn't reach.
14 plants · $554.86Zones 5–9
See the kit →
Mailbox garden kit
The Mailbox Bed
Curb appeal in one afternoon.
8 plants · $159.92Zones 3–10
See the kit →
Pollinator garden kit
The Pollinator Buffet
Open seating for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
14 plants · $424.86Zones 4–9
See the kit →
Shade garden kit
Shade Layers
For the spot the sun forgot.
8 plants · $151.92Zones 3–9
See the kit →
Edible kit · plant this fall
The Snack Garden
Pick it, eat it, walk away.
4 plants · $199.80Zones 5–10
See the kit →
All plant kits →