Did I once say that someone should shoot me if I mentioned a new hydrangea? Well, hold off a second because here’s one that’s new on the market and I must say is a true attention getter - even though it is a macrophylla. Eclipse® Hydrangea, is the first true dark-leaf mophead hydrangea, offers season-long beauty with intense, dark purple leaves that hold their color, even in warm climates. The striking foliage, paired with gorgeous amethyst or cranberry-colored blooms, will pair perfectly with anything in the garden and are sure to make a dramatic impact. Maturing at 3-5 feet tall and wide, Eclipse® will stand out, whether used as a focal point in the garden or in decorative containers. Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. Hardy Zones 5. Mounded. (First Editions Introduction)
THE DARK LEAVES! The dark leaves on Eclipse® are as impressive in the garden as they are in the plant world. Eclipse® is the first mophead hydrangea to have dark leaves that will come back just as dark next season. The team at First Editions® worked on Eclipse® for over eight years to select, trial, and test Eclipse® to ensure that was the case, even for warm climate gardeners where other dark leaf hydrangeas can start to go green. All the history and effort behind Eclipse® means you can confidently use this plant in your garden, knowing that you get to enjoy dark leaves year after year.
THE HYDRANGEA FLOWERS! While the leaves are quite a sight, you can’t forget about the hydrangea flowers! Eclipse® has spectacular cranberry or amethyst-colored blooms that provide fantastic contrast to the dark leaves. Like other Hydrangea macrophylla, the color of the flowers depends on the soil pH. But in general, Eclipse® hydrangeas grown in alkaline soils will have cranberry flowers, while those grown in acidic soils will have amethyst flowers. Eclipse® is also a reblooming hydrangea, so you can enjoy a garden full of hydrangea blooms throughout the season.