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About this product
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Black Steel' (Mixed Varieties) – supplied in a P23 (5-litre) container
Plant Highlights: Dark contrasting stems • Large mophead flowerheads • Mixed flower colours • Long-lasting summer display
Overview
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Black Steel' is a striking collection of mophead hydrangeas distinguished by their dramatic dark stems, which provide an eye-catching contrast to the large, rounded flowerheads. This is a mixed assortment, so the exact cultivar and flower colour will vary, but every plant combines bold blooms with attractive dark stems and lush green foliage.
Flowering from summer into early autumn, these deciduous shrubs bring long-lasting colour to borders, woodland-style gardens and patio containers. Their compact, bushy habit makes them equally effective as feature plants or as part of mixed planting schemes.
Plant Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Hydrangea macrophylla 'Black Steel' (mixed varieties) |
| Common Name | Mophead Hydrangea |
| Plant Type | Deciduous shrub |
| Supplied Form | P23 (5-litre) container |
| Flower Colour | Varies by variety |
| Stem Colour | Dark purple to near-black |
| Flowering Season | Summer to early autumn |
| Foliage | Mid-green deciduous leaves |
| Position | Partial shade or full sun (with adequate soil moisture) |
| Soil | Fertile, moist but well-drained soil |
Growing Guide
Plant in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Hydrangeas perform best in partial shade, although they can also be grown in full sun if the soil is kept consistently moist during dry weather.
Water regularly while establishing and during prolonged dry spells, particularly for plants grown in containers. Apply a mulch each spring to help retain soil moisture and maintain healthy growth.
Wildlife
The flowers can attract pollinating insects when fertile florets are present, while the dense foliage provides useful shelter for garden wildlife.
Pruning
Flower buds are produced on stems formed the previous year. In early spring, remove only the faded flowerheads, cutting back to the first strong pair of healthy buds. Remove dead or weak stems as needed, avoiding hard pruning.
Perfect For
- Mixed shrub borders
- Woodland-style gardens
- Patio containers
- Cottage gardens
- Feature planting
- Seasonal colour
Good to Know
This is a mixed selection, so the exact cultivar and flower colour will vary. Flower colour should not be assumed from the series name, and all varieties share similar growing requirements.
Product Information
- Supplied in a P23 (5-litre) container
- Mixed selection of Hydrangea macrophylla 'Black Steel' varieties
- Deciduous shrub with dark contrasting stems
- Flower colour varies by variety
- Flowers from summer into early autumn
- Best grown in partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Excellent for borders, containers and woodland-style gardens
Growing & care
- Plant type
- shrub
- Position & light
- Full sun· Partial shade
- Watering
- moderate
- Soil & drainage
- Well drained· Moist
- Mature size
- 1.0m high· 1.0m wide
- Flowering
- Summer to early autumn· Multicolour
- Foliage
- deciduous
Useful to know
Good for containersGood for borders
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