What is a black hydrangea?

Hydrangea Makrophylla 'Nigra' is a large permanent shrub that is relatively new in the United States, with a long history in England and Japan. When the stems are young, they are an unusual dark color of purple black, leading to the common name of the black hydrangea of ​​this plant. The name itself can cause some of them to expect a plant with very dark or black flowers, in black hydrangeas they are just young stems that are dark. The flowers themselves are blue and pink in pastel shades. The acid soil has a low pH, and when black hydrangeas are grown in such soil, blue flowers will be the result. Alkaline soil has a high pH, ​​and when "nigra" is grown in this type of soil, the flowers will be pink. Growth in slightly acidic soil leads to a light purple or lavender flower, a mixture of two extrames. Slices from a healthy plant are taken and placed in water or special rooted media and after a few weeks roots develop and can be planted. A brand new plant can grow from each cut.

The representative of the National Arboretum of the United States in the mid -80s met with a black hydrangea in Japan. He brought some plants back to the US with him, where they were rated for almost ten years before they were released for sale. "Nigra" has long been grown in England, with a history in this country extending at least a hundred years before the United States came to black hydrangeas.

black hydrangea usually grows anywhere from 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) in height and covers and are a diameter of approximately the same size. Harsh Winters kills it, even if it is well protected, it can survive quite cold before succumbing to it. In areas where winters are serious, it is best grown as a flower pot, which is placed outside for spring and summer and brings inwards when hard frosts begin in the fall. In careful treatment, this plant will provide an engaging accent for many years.