Species

Hydrangea macrophyllaBigleaf Hydrangea

60 other cultivars

shrub

Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Eclipse'

$37.59

The Story

Plant Bio

Hydrangea macrophylla is a deciduous shrub native to the coastal regions of Japan, characterized by its rounded habit and large, broad leaves. The species is highly valued for its massive globose mophead or flattened lacecap flower clusters, which naturally shift in color from blue to pink depending on the availability of aluminum ions in the soil.

'Bailmacseven' is distinguished by its intense, dark purple to nearly black foliage that retains its deep pigmentation throughout the entire growing season without fading in summer heat. The dark leaves contrast sharply with mophead flower clusters that express as cranberry-red in alkaline soils or deep amethyst-purple in acidic conditions.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides dramatic, season-long visual interest with nearly black foliage and large, color-shifting mophead blooms.

Functions as a compact, non-invasive structural shrub ideal for shaded foundation plantings and containers.

Offers dense nesting cover for small birds and provides pollen for generalist native bees.

SpeciesHydrangea macrophyllaBigleaf Hydrangea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60"

Width

60"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Consistent moisture

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Deciduous shrub

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Fall

In flower about 7 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Spring Hill Nursery

Bareroot

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Garden Goods Direct

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives morning sun and afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch and midday wilting.
Amend the planting hole with rich organic matter and ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
Water deeply at the base of the plant whenever the top two inches of soil feel dry, keeping moisture off the foliage.
Apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs in early spring as new growth begins to swell.

Pro Tip

Avoid aggressive pruning in late summer or fall; this cultivar blooms on both old and new wood, and shearing stems late in the season removes the overwintering buds required for the earliest summer flowers.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water the root zone directly to keep foliage dry and minimize leaf spot diseases.
Maintain a consistent layer of organic mulch to retain soil moisture and cool root temperatures.
Test soil pH to determine whether flowers will express as amethyst-purple or cranberry-red.

Don't

Do not plant in full, unshaded afternoon sun, which causes severe leaf burn and chronic wilting.
Do not prune heavily in late summer or fall, as this removes next year's early flower buds.
Do not over-apply aluminum sulfate or lime, which can cause root burn or iron chlorosis.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation PlantingSpecimen PlantMixed Shrub BordersContainer Specimen

Companion Plants

Hosta Astilbe Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bigleaf Hydrangea questions

What zones can Bigleaf Hydrangea grow in?

Bigleaf Hydrangea is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bigleaf Hydrangea deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Bigleaf Hydrangea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Bigleaf Hydrangea bloom?

Bigleaf Hydrangea typically blooms in late spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bigleaf Hydrangea need full sun?

Bigleaf Hydrangea does best in part shade.