Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The Black-Stem Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nigra'
'Nigra' is a lovely hydrangea with pastel blooms. While this alone would be a good reason for growing it, Nigra is admired mainly for its interesting black stems. Many hydrangeaphyles grow Nigra in their collection.
Nigra is easy to grow, likes part shade (especially afternoon shade), and rich soil. In other words, it is a typical macrophylla (mophead) hydrangea.
You may be wondering about the blue/pink/lavender color of the hydrangeas on this page. This is not characteristic specific to Nigra. Rather, it is typical of hydrangeas which recently have been planted or transplanted. Most all of the colored hydrangeas will do this when first planted.
Black-Stem Hydrangea Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 - 9 |
| Plant Type: Perennials |
| Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 4 - 6 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 4 - 6 Feet |
| Spacing: 3 - 5 Feet |
| Habit: Rounded |
| Flower Color(s): Pink or Blue |
| Flower Description: Pink (alkaline soils), Blue (acid soils) |
| Bloom Period: Summer |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: Glossy green leaf black stems |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: N/A |
| Tolerates: N/A |
| Attracts: Butterflies |
| Container Role: Thriller |
| Uses: Combinations, Containers, Border, Hedge, Mass Planting |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Bigleaf Hydrangea |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nigra' |
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2025 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!