Hydrangea macrophylla 'Eclipse'

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Eclipse': Dark Foliage Drama with Cranberry-Coloured Blooms

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Eclipse' is a First Editions® mophead hydrangea that brings true high-contrast style to the garden. Deep, dark purple foliage creates a rich backdrop all season, then the plant steps into bloom with dramatic flowers in dark purple or cranberry tones for a look that feels bold and modern. The mounding habit stays full and well-shaped, making it easy to feature in borders or highlight near patios where the colour can be appreciated up close. It is an unforgettable choice when you want hydrangea beauty with a moodier, more sophisticated palette.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 3–5’
• Spread: 3–5’
• Flower Colour: Dark purple or cranberry-coloured blooms
• Flowering Period: Summer through fall
• Foliage: Dark purple foliage
• Sunlight Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter

Uses and Benefits: A standout focal shrub for mixed borders, foundation plantings, and patio-side beds where the dark foliage can do its best work. The dramatic leaf colour adds depth to planting designs, and the rich bloom tones pair beautifully with both soft pastels and bold, bright palettes. Use it to create contrast, to echo darker accent colours in hardscaping, or to give hydrangea plantings a more contemporary, designer-forward feel.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade, with the best results often coming from morning sun and some afternoon shade in hotter exposures. Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment and summer heat, and mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots. Bigleaf hydrangeas benefit from minimal pruning, so focus on removing winter-damaged tips in spring and deadheading spent blooms as needed. A spring top-dressing of compost helps support strong growth, rich foliage colour, and steady flowering.

History: Hydrangea macrophylla 'Eclipse' is a First Editions® introduction selected to deliver something rare in mophead hydrangeas: truly dark foliage that holds its colour, paired with richly coloured blooms for strong seasonal contrast. It offers the classic mophead form with a distinctly modern look.

Final Thoughts: For gardeners who want hydrangeas with deeper colour and stronger contrast, Eclipse delivers a polished, dramatic presence that looks intentional from spring leaf-out through the last summer blooms.