Family: Hydrangea
Type: Shrub
The First Editions Eclipse Bigleaf Hydrangea stands out as a vibrant addition to any garden with its large, radiant blooms and lush foliage. Known for its reliability and spectacular display of color, this variety brings a dynamic visual impact throughout its blooming season. Adaptable to a range of climates, the Eclipse hydrangea showcases large mophead flowers that can shift in color from deep blue to vivid pink, depending on the soil’s pH level.
This robust hydrangea variety is not only a feast for the eyes but also a low-maintenance choice that thrives in partial to full shade, making it perfect for brightening up those dimmer areas of the garden. Its compact growth habit allows for versatile use in landscaping, from standalone specimens to part of a flowering hedge or border. The Eclipse hydrangea’s ability to bloom on both old and new wood ensures a long flowering period from early summer through fall.
Enhancing your garden with First Editions Eclipse Bigleaf Hydrangea introduces not only continuous beauty but also a touch of elegance. Whether planted in mass for a stunning display or used as an accent plant, its bold blooms and dark green foliage add depth and interest to the landscape. Its appeal continues into the fall as the leaves take on a beautiful bronze hue, extending the visual enjoyment of this garden gem well beyond the flowering season.
Hardiness Zone: 5a-9b
Pet Friendly: Yes
Moisture Preference: Moist
Sun Needs: Partial shade
Growth Rate: Fast
Average Height (feet): 4
Average Spread (feet): 4
Average Life Span (years): 20
Form: Round
Flower Color: Red
Secondary Flower Color: White
Foliage Color: Dark purple
Incorporating the Eclipse hydrangea into your yard transforms any space into a lush, colorful retreat. Positioned as a focal point, it draws the eye with its impressive blooms and serves as a beautiful backdrop for garden gatherings. Its shade tolerance makes it an excellent choice for under-canopy plantings, where its flowers can light up the understory with their spectacular color.
For a layered garden design, pair the Eclipse hydrangea with complementary shade-loving perennials and shrubs. The contrast of its large blooms against the finer textures of ferns or the glossy leaves of hostas creates a rich tapestry of forms and colors. Utilizing these hydrangeas in borders or as natural dividers can add structure and continuity to the landscape, guiding the eye through the garden.
Container gardening is another realm where the Eclipse hydrangea shines. Planted in large pots, it brings instant sophistication to patios, decks, or balconies. This approach allows for easy adjustment of soil pH to achieve the desired bloom color, whether you’re aiming for that striking blue or radiant pink. Plus, containers make it simpler to protect the plants in regions with harsh winters.
Eclipse hydrangeas fit seamlessly into traditional garden settings, their classic beauty complementing the structured elegance of formal landscapes.
Their lush blooms and robust growth are right at home in the relaxed, overflowing abundance of cottage gardens, adding color and charm.
In woodland gardens, their shade tolerance and large, bright flowers make them standout additions, enhancing the naturalistic setting.
Create a serene garden nook by surrounding a seating area with these hydrangeas, offering a peaceful retreat enveloped in blooms and fragrance.
Design a striking hydrangea walk by lining a garden path with Eclipse hydrangeas, creating an immersive experience of color and scent.
Enhance water features by planting Eclipse hydrangeas nearby, where their reflections multiply the beauty of both the blooms and the water.
Select our pre-made garden layouts to create a landscape that’s uniquely yours. Simple, smart, and customizable!
The anticipation builds as the Eclipse hydrangea begins to leaf out, setting the stage for the spectacular blooming season ahead.
In full glory, the hydrangea dazzles with its large, colorful blooms, becoming a central feature of the summer garden.
As the season changes, so do the leaves of the Eclipse hydrangea, taking on bronze tones that add autumnal warmth to the landscape.
While the plant rests in winter, its sturdy structure and remaining seed heads provide interest, hinting at the return of blooms in the spring.
Choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade to protect the Eclipse Hydrangea from intense heat, ensuring vibrant blooms.
Prefers partial to full shade, with a preference for morning sunlight and protection from the harsh afternoon sun.
Thrives in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH that can be adjusted to alter bloom color.
Space plants 3-5 feet apart to allow for mature growth and adequate air circulation.
Best planted in early spring or fall when the weather is cooler and plants are less stressed.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Amend soil with organic matter. Position the hydrangea so the top of the root ball is level with the ground, backfill, and water thoroughly.
Keep soil consistently moist, especially in the first year after planting, to establish a deep root system.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer to support growth and blooms.
Prune after blooming by removing only spent flowers and dead branches to encourage next year’s growth.
Apply mulch to conserve moisture, add fertilizer as new growth appears, and prune if necessary.
Continue to water during dry periods and apply a second round of fertilizer to support blooming.
Reduce watering and prepare the plant for dormancy. Apply a protective layer of mulch for winter.
In colder zones, ensure the plant is well-mulched. Prune lightly, if at all, to protect buds that will bloom next season.
Adjust the soil pH: more acidic (lower pH) for blue flowers and more alkaline (higher pH) for pink flowers. Aluminum sulfate can encourage blue blooms, while lime encourages pink.
While they can tolerate morning sun, they prefer afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to prevent bloom and leaf scorch.
Water deeply 1-2 times a week, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Increase frequency during hot, dry periods.
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