Hydrangea 'Black Diamonds'® mix

Description and Characteristics

Hydrangea 'Black Diamonds'® Mix is a dramatic and colourful series of compact, mophead hydrangeas known for their intense flower colours and deep purplish-black foliage, providing bold contrast and season-long visual appeal. Bred for ornamental performance, this series includes various cultivars offering vibrant bloom colours—ranging from deep red, magenta, electric blue, to rose pink—depending on pH and variety.

What truly distinguishes 'Black Diamonds'® is its dark, glossy leaves, which emerge nearly black in spring and provide a stunning foil for the large, rounded flower heads. Blooming from early summer into autumn, these plants remain compact and tidy, typically growing to around 60–90 cm in height and spread.

This mix is perfect for urban gardens, contemporary planting schemes, or where strong contrast and foliage interest are desired. It is also excellent in containers and small-space gardening.

• Features large, vibrant mophead blooms on dark foliage

• Flower colour varies by variety and soil pH

• Height: 60–90 cm; Spread: 60–90 cm

• Long blooming season: June to September

• Compact, bushy form—ideal for pots, borders, and modern displays

• Attracts bees and butterflies, especially if lacecap types are included

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Hydrangea 'Black Diamonds'® is a relatively low-maintenance shrub when provided with moist, fertile soil, regular watering, and part shade to sun exposure. Its foliage and bloom colour remain best when grown in well-lit conditions with afternoon shade.

• Light Requirements:

  • Best in partial shade or filtered sun

  • Tolerates full sun in cooler climates if soil remains moist

  • Avoid deep shade, which can reduce flowering and dark foliage intensity

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil

  • Soil pH affects flower colour:

    • Acidic (pH < 6): shades of blue or purple

    • Neutral to alkaline (pH > 7): shades of pink or red

  • Use ericaceous compost or hydrangea colourants to enhance blues

• Watering Needs:

  • Water deeply and regularly during dry periods, especially in pots

  • Do not allow soil to dry out completely—wilting can occur quickly

  • Mulch in spring to help retain moisture

• Feeding:

  • Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring

  • Use a low-phosphorus fertiliser if aiming for blue tones

  • Container plants benefit from monthly feeding during the growing season

• Pruning:

  • Blooms on old wood—prune lightly in late winter or early spring

  • Remove dead flower heads just above a pair of healthy buds

  • Do not cut back hard unless rejuvenating old plants

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 6–9 (RHS H5–H6)

  • In colder areas, mulch around the base in autumn

  • Protect from cold, drying winds to preserve spring buds

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Seasonal Interest

Hydrangea 'Black Diamonds'® Mix adds intensity and drama to gardens with its colourful blooms and unusually dark foliage. It is a fantastic option for contemporary designs, statement planting, or small-space gardens.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for containers, patio beds, front-of-border displays, and modern schemes

  • Great as a statement plant, paired with lighter or silver-foliaged companions

  • Suitable for urban gardens, balconies, or foundation planting

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with Heuchera, Hakonechloa, Brunnera, Carex, and Ferns

  • Contrast with silver-leaved plants like Artemisia or Senecio

  • Blends beautifully with Hosta, Astilbe, or other shade perennials

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Mophead flowers are less accessible to pollinators, though some cultivars may support bees and butterflies

  • Excellent for adding beauty to pollinator-friendly spaces even if not a primary nectar source

• Container Use:

  • Perfect in large decorative pots or troughs

  • Use peat-free, moisture-retentive compost with good drainage

  • Rotate for even growth and deadhead regularly for continuous blooms

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest-free and disease-resistant

  • Watch for aphids or mildew in crowded or dry conditions

  • Ensure good airflow and avoid overhead watering

• Size
  5 Ltr pot

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.