Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nigra'

Black Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nigra’ is a deciduous shrub especially noted for its dramatic dark purple to nearly black stems, which create striking contrast with its large mophead flower clusters. This bigleaf hydrangea blooms in summer on old wood, producing rounded flower heads that range from pink to blue depending on soil pH. The dark green foliage and strongly colored stems make it highly ornamental even before flowering.

Type: Deciduous shrub
Mature Size: Width: 4–6 ft · Height: 4–6 ft
USDA Zones: 6a–9b

Form: Upright, rounded

Light: Part shade to morning sun

Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained soil

Water: Medium; prefers consistently moist soil

Wildlife: Attracts bees and other pollinating insects

Features & Landscape Uses:
Highly valued for its nearly black stems, which give added ornamental interest in borders, foundation plantings, and woodland gardens. Flower color shifts blue in acidic soils and pink in alkaline soils, with the dark stems making either color especially vivid.

Care:
Plant in part shade with fertile, evenly moist soil enriched with organic matter. Prune only after flowering since buds develop on old wood. Mulch roots to conserve moisture and help protect flower buds during winter.

Plant type

Flowering Deciduous Shrub

Height

4-6'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Filtered Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Summer

Flower color

Blue, Pink, White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Container, Foundation Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Drought tolerant

No