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Buy Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nigra'

Also Known As

Hydrangea hortensis

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 4'-10'
W: 4'-8'

planting zones

5a-9b

3 year old bagged root ball | $47.95

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Fewer than 8 at Hydrangeas Plus

2 year old bagged root ball | $25.95

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Fewer than 6 at Hydrangeas Plus

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Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nigra' plant details

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nigra' is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In summer pink flowers emerge. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nigra'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: hydrangeaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 4 FT - 8 FT - wide, 4 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: pink blooms in summer
Uses: black stems, border plant, cottage garden, cutting garden, easy-to-grow, firescaping/fire wise, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nigra'

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: seaside / salt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The showy deep-purple new growth of this 4-6' shrub recently introduced by the U.S. National Arboretum makes it attractive not only in late summer when large mop-head flowers of blue (or pink) take their bow, but also spring-early summer. PSh/M

By: Forestfarm

Dramatic black stems add flair to this lovely 4-6 foot shrub and contrast with the exquisite pink-lavender mop head flowers. A very elegant ‘lady of the garden’, a rarely offered cultivar that deserves more attention! It’s love at first sight for our customers that see it blooming in the garden. One of our favorite, unusual hydrangeas.

By: Secret Garden Growers

Black Stem Hydrangea brings beautiful color with its light colored flowers, dark green leaves, and black stems. It is particularly astounding in bouquets with the leaves stripped off to reveal a colorful base in addition to the flowers. Use this plant in lightly shaded areas where it will get lots of up-close attention.

Like many Macrophylla Hydrangea species, 'Nigra' can have vastly different bloom colors depending on the pH of the soil. It will produce light blue blooms in acid soil and in neutral or basic soil the flowers will be light pink. You can change the pH of your soil quite easily. If you want a pinker variety, add some ground lime (available at any garden center, nursery, even big box stores) or add either coffee grounds or Aluminum Sulfate (also available anywhere that sells plants) to make your flowers blue.

By: Red Panda Nursery

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nigra' is black because of the dark purple stems (almost black). the 3'-4' plant has pinky purple mop head flowers in July.

By: Gossler Farms

What sets this hydrangea apart are its striking truly black stems. A late season mophead bloomer, colours will vary from pink (in alkaline soil) to mauve to blue (in extremely acid soil). The flowers are lovely but the black stems are what makes this plant special.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Pale blue mophead hydrangea w/ dark black stems

By: Nasketucket Gardens

The most exotic hydrangea we offer. Dark purplish stems give this plant a one of a kind look amongst all the hydrangeas. Nigra has bright pink blooms and light green leaves that make a spectacular contrast against the dark stems. This Chinese variety was imported to Europe and named H. Macrophylla var. Mandshurica. This easy to grow cultivar makes a stunning garden accent.

By: Hydrangeas Plus

The light pink or blue mop-head flowers are nice and the light green foliage agreeable, but what grabs your attention is the black stems.

By: Whitman Farms

'Nigra' is one of those old-fashioned hydrangeas with a slightly different look: striking, black-stemmed new growth. It has been popular for more than a century in England. In fact, it received a First Class Certificate in 1895 from the Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain. In 1993, it received an Award of Garden Merit from the same society.

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

MOPHEAD. The unique dark purple or black branches on this plant stand out elegantly from the light green leaf color. This late season mophead opens cream colored and matures to pink-lilac.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

This is pretty much mandatory to have in the Hydrangea collection as those black stems are perfection especially when holding up pastel pink mophead flower clusters. A very easy grower and quite hardy - probably good to Z5 at least. Likes good soil evenly moist and afternoon shade.