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Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nigra’ – Black-Stem Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nigra’, also known as the Black-Stem Hydrangea, is a distinctive deciduous shrub grown for its elegant contrast between deep purple-black stems and soft, mophead blooms. Combining bold structure with romantic colour, it brings refined interest to part-shaded borders, woodland edges, and classic garden settings.
Growing to around 1.2–1.5 metres tall and wide, ‘Nigra’ forms a rounded, bushy habit with dark, almost black stems that provide striking contrast against its fresh green foliage. In mid to late summer, large rounded clusters of soft pink to pale lilac-blue flowers appear, depending on soil pH—offering a long-lasting and eye-catching display.
Best grown in part shade with moist, well-drained soil, this variety appreciates protection from harsh afternoon sun and benefits from regular watering during dry spells. It works beautifully in mixed shrub borders, underplanted with ferns or hostas, and provides excellent seasonal colour and structure.
Minimal pruning is needed—remove spent flowers and old stems in spring to promote fresh growth. Its dark stems provide year-round visual interest, even when the plant is leafless in winter.
Flowering Period
July: Flower buds open; rounded blooms begin to show colour
July – August: Peak flowering; mopheads in full display
September: Flowering slows; stems and foliage remain ornamental
With its dramatic dark stems and classic hydrangea blooms, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nigra’ is a refined yet unique choice for adding contrast, elegance, and late-summer interest to shaded or semi-shaded spaces.
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nigra’ – Black-Stem Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nigra’, also known as the Black-Stem Hydrangea, is a distinctive deciduous shrub grown for its elegant contrast between deep purple-black stems and soft, mophead blooms. Combining bold structure with romantic colour, it brings refined interest to part-shaded borders, woodland edges, and classic garden settings.
Growing to around 1.2–1.5 metres tall and wide, ‘Nigra’ forms a rounded, bushy habit with dark, almost black stems that provide striking contrast against its fresh green foliage. In mid to late summer, large rounded clusters of soft pink to pale lilac-blue flowers appear, depending on soil pH—offering a long-lasting and eye-catching display.
Best grown in part shade with moist, well-drained soil, this variety appreciates protection from harsh afternoon sun and benefits from regular watering during dry spells. It works beautifully in mixed shrub borders, underplanted with ferns or hostas, and provides excellent seasonal colour and structure.
Minimal pruning is needed—remove spent flowers and old stems in spring to promote fresh growth. Its dark stems provide year-round visual interest, even when the plant is leafless in winter.
Flowering Period
July: Flower buds open; rounded blooms begin to show colour
July – August: Peak flowering; mopheads in full display
September: Flowering slows; stems and foliage remain ornamental
With its dramatic dark stems and classic hydrangea blooms, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nigra’ is a refined yet unique choice for adding contrast, elegance, and late-summer interest to shaded or semi-shaded spaces.