Deciduous Shrub – ‘Eclipse’ Big Leaf Hydrangea

‘Eclipse’ Big Leaf Hydrangea 

Botanical name: hydrangea macrophylla ‘bailmacseven’

Beginner friendly?: moderate 

Average size at maturity: 3-5 ft in height and in spread 

Hardy zone: zones 5-9

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in 2-3 growing seasons 

Foliage color: dark purple 

Flower color: purple/red/pink 

Bloom time:  spring, summer, fall 

Pruning instructions: prune in the early spring as new leaves are beginning to emerge to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with new growth cuttings during the late spring – early summer months 

Landscape use: flower gardens, hedge, focal point, mass planting, container plant

Special features: dark foliage, disease resistant, re-bloomer, cold-hardy 

Light needs: no more than 4 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release fertilizer once in the early spring nd once in the early summer 

Best time to plant: spring or fall 

Best type of soil: loam 

Companion plants: other hydrangeas, ferns, hostas, astilbe 

Toxicity level: moderately toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no