{"product_id":"eclipse-®-bigleaf-hydrangea","title":"Eclipse ® Bigleaf Hydrangea","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEclipse® Bigleaf Hydrangea | Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmacseven' PP34,544, UPP | First Editions®\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant Highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmacseven'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePatent:\u003c\/strong\u003e PP34,544, UPP\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e First Editions®\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–5 feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Width:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–5 feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deciduous flowering shrub\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep purple \/ near-black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Raspberry-purple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower Fragrance:\u003c\/strong\u003e None\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSun Exposure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun in northern zones (5); part shade in zones 6–9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tolerant of many soil types\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Occasional; consistent moisture preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePruning Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early spring — remove crossed or dead branches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhoto Credit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Courtesy of Bailey Nurseries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAdditional Highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePollinator Friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistant:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePet Friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e No—toxic if ingested\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReblooming:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCold and Heat Tolerant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Eclipse® Stands Apart\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEclipse® 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFirst of Its Kind\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAll About the Leaves\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSuperior Disease Resistance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEclipse® 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eVersatility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEclipse® 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSmart Growing Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 1 — Choose Your Spot:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 2—Prepare the Hole:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 3—Plant at the Right Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e The top of the root ball should sit level with the ground—never plant too deep. Fill, firm gently, and water thoroughly at planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 4 — Mulch:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 5 — Water Consistently:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply 2–3 times per week during the first season. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 6—Feed in Spring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer as new growth emerges. One spring feeding is typically sufficient for strong bloom performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 7 — Prune Lightly:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: What makes Eclipse® different from other bigleaf hydrangeas?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Is Eclipse® a good choice for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Can I grow Eclipse® in a container?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Will Eclipse® rebloom?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: Yes — Eclipse® is a reblooming hydrangea, producing flowers on both old and new wood for extended season color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Is Eclipse® deer resistant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Why are the leaves falling off?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOrdering \u0026amp; Shipping Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProcessing Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Orders are typically processed within 1–3 business days. Orders placed after 4:00 PM Wednesday through Sunday ship the following Monday.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping Protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSummer\/Winter Shipping Restrictions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Summer — above 95°F | Winter — below 34°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal Considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize Expectations:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Plant Factory Direct","offers":[{"title":"1 Gallon Plant","offer_id":53992039579967,"sku":"201.B345440-1G","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0818\/0908\/0639\/files\/hydrangea-eclipe-4__90537.1720381950.386.513.jpg?v=1783161885","url":"https:\/\/www.ardentgardeners.com\/products\/eclipse-%c2%ae-bigleaf-hydrangea","provider":"Ardent Gardeners","version":"1.0","type":"link"}