Eclipse ® Bigleaf Hydrangea

Eclipse® Bigleaf Hydrangea | Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmacseven' PP34,544, UPP | First Editions®

Plant Highlights

• Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmacseven'
• Patent: PP34,544, UPP
• Brand: First Editions®
• Mature Height: 3–5 feet
• Mature Width: 3–5 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Type: Deciduous flowering shrub
• Foliage Color: Deep purple / near-black
• Flower Color: Raspberry-purple
• Flower Fragrance: None
• Fall Color: Yes
• Hardiness Zones: 5–9
• Sun Exposure: Full sun in northern zones (5); part shade in zones 6–9
• Soil Needs: Tolerant of many soil types
• Water Needs: Occasional; consistent moisture preferred
• Pruning Needs: Early spring — remove crossed or dead branches
• Photo Credit: Courtesy of Bailey Nurseries

Additional Highlights

• Pollinator Friendly: Yes
• Deer Resistant: No
• Pet Friendly: No—toxic if ingested
• Reblooming: Yes
• Cold and Heat Tolerant: Yes

Why Eclipse® Stands Apart

Eclipse® Bigleaf Hydrangea is a one-of-a-kind introduction from Bailey Innovations—a hydrangea that leads with its foliage as much as its flowers. The nearly black, deep-purple leaves create a dramatic backdrop for the raspberry-purple blooms, making Eclipse® a standout in any landscape or container planting. It reaches a tidy 3–5 feet in height and width, making it equally at home as a focal point in a mixed border or as a statement plant in a decorative pot.

First of Its Kind

We get that you need something truly special to justify adding another hydrangea to the mix, and Eclipse® delivers. Its compact, well-behaved habit makes it ideal for smaller spaces where it adds stunning form, color, and texture without overwhelming the planting. Eclipse® looks beautiful planted alone or combined with other plants in decorative containers. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, though it will thrive in greater sun in northern zones (5) when consistent moisture is provided.

All About the Leaves

When considering Eclipse® Bigleaf, it is impossible not to praise the foliage. Its distinctive near-black, purple hue makes it stand out from every other hydrangea in the landscape. Even after pruning or when planted in warmer climates where other hydrangeas turn green, Eclipse® maintains its deep coloration throughout the entire season—a trait no other bigleaf hydrangea can match.

Superior Disease Resistance

Eclipse® was developed with clean foliage as a priority. Its disease resistance is exceptional—particularly against the two most common hydrangea concerns: powdery mildew and Cercospora leaf spot. Because it resists disease so effectively, Eclipse® can be grown with fewer inputs, looks polished throughout the season, and requires minimal intervention from gardeners and landscapers alike.

Versatility

Eclipse® is a strong landscaping plant that reaches heights and widths of up to five feet. Once established over a few seasons, it becomes a truly remarkable planting. It also excels in decorative containers, where its eye-catching foliage and beautiful blooms create a stunning display. Although classified as a Zone 5 plant, gardeners in cooler climates can offer it as a container plant — a stunning alternative to or complement for vibrant annuals.

Smart Growing Guide

Step 1 — Choose Your Spot: Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. In northern zones (5), Eclipse® tolerates more sun if moisture is consistent. Allow 3–5 feet of space in all directions at maturity.

Step 2—Prepare the Hole: Dig twice as wide as the pot and the same depth. Mix removed soil with compost 50/50 for a rich, well-drained planting mix. Avoid low spots where water pools.

Step 3—Plant at the Right Level: The top of the root ball should sit level with the ground—never plant too deep. Fill, firm gently, and water thoroughly at planting.

Step 4 — Mulch: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the stem. This retains moisture, moderates soil temperature, and protects roots through winter.

Step 5 — Water Consistently: Water deeply 2–3 times per week during the first season. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Step 6—Feed in Spring: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer as new growth emerges. One spring feeding is typically sufficient for strong bloom performance.

Step 7 — Prune Lightly: In early spring, remove any dead, damaged, or crossed branches. Avoid hard pruning in fall — you'll remove old-wood buds that would have bloomed early the following season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes Eclipse® different from other bigleaf hydrangeas?
A: The foliage. Eclipse® maintains its near-black, deep-purple leaf color throughout the entire season—even in warmer climates where other hydrangeas revert to green. No other bigleaf hydrangea offers this level of sustained foliage color combined with raspberry-purple blooms.

Q: Is Eclipse® a good choice for beginners?
A: Yes. It tolerates a wide range of soils, has excellent disease resistance, and requires minimal pruning. Plant in morning sun, water consistently the first season, and feed in spring—that's all it takes.

Q: Can I grow Eclipse® in a container?
A: Absolutely. Its compact 3–5 foot habit makes it well-suited for large decorative containers. Use quality potting mix, water regularly, and feed every 3–4 weeks during the growing season. In Zone 5, move containers to an unheated garage for winter to protect the roots.

Q: Will Eclipse® rebloom?
A: Yes — Eclipse® is a reblooming hydrangea, producing flowers on both old and new wood for extended season color.

Q: Is Eclipse® deer resistant?
A: No. Like most hydrangeas, it can be browsed by deer. In high-pressure areas, apply deer repellent regularly or use protective fencing during the first season while the plant establishes.

Q: Why are the leaves falling off?
A: Leaf drop is usually caused by stress or seasonal change. Overwatering can lead to root rot; underwatering causes the plant to conserve moisture by dropping leaves. In fall and winter, hydrangeas naturally lose their leaves as they enter dormancy—this is completely normal. Check soil moisture and the time of year to determine the cause.

Ordering & Shipping Information

Processing Time: Orders are typically processed within 1–3 business days. Orders placed after 4:00 PM Wednesday through Sunday ship the following Monday.

Shipping Protection: We use premium shipping processes to ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive. We monitor weather conditions and may temporarily hold your order if extreme temperatures (above 95°F or below 34°F) threaten plant health during transit.

Summer/Winter Shipping Restrictions: Summer — above 95°F | Winter — below 34°F

Seasonal Considerations: Plants are living products that vary by season. We often remove blooms before shipping, as they don't travel well. Your purchase is an investment in your garden's future — enjoy watching your Eclipse® grow to its full spectacular potential.

Size Expectations: Photos and videos on our site showcase our products and highlight the quality of our growing process. Depending on the season of purchase, you may receive a plant that is smaller or larger than what is pictured. All plants are professionally grown to First Editions® standards.