First Editions® Eclipse® Hydrangea

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-5 Feet

Mature Spread

3-5 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 9

The stunning and unusual dark foliage of the Eclipse Hydrangea will stand out in any garden. Producing dark purple leaves, this Hydrangea macrophylla grows to around five feet tall and develops large cranberry-purple colored flowers. This cultivar demonstrates outstanding disease resistance, especially against powdery mildew and leaf spot. 

Suitable for growing in zones 5 to 9, the Eclipse Hydrangea is equally at home at the back of a border or in a large container. This hydrangea is considered low maintenance, especially with its excellent resistance to diseases. It naturally forms a pleasing rounded shape and is ideal for foundation planting or for creating a low informal hedge.

First Editions® Eclipse® Hydrangea Care

The Eclipse Hydrangea thrives when grown in partial sun, but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It favors fertile and free-draining soil with a pH of 4.5 to 6 and will benefit from an application of slow-release fertilizer in early summer. Frequent irrigation is needed until a good root system has developed and on an ongoing basis to keep the soil on the moist side. Mulching with organic matter will help prevent moisture loss and keep the weeds at bay.

Eclipse Hydrangea should be pruned in early spring. Simply prune back overgrowth to above a pair of buds and remove any dead branches. When grown in a container, more frequent watering will be needed than when grown directly in the ground. 

First Editions® Eclipse® Hydrangea Spacing

When mature, the Eclipse Hydrangea can reach a size of 3-5 feet all over. If planting in a group you can space this plant around 4 to 5 feet apart center to center.