Hydrangea macrophylla 'Dark Angel Purple' (Black Diamonds Collection)

Common name: Dark Angel Purple Hydrangea

Description: This striking cultivar from the Black Diamonds Collection features uniquely dramatic colouration with rich purple-black stems and exceptionally dark foliage that creates a stunning backdrop for the flowers. The large mophead blooms emerge in an intense purple-blue shade (in acidic soil) with distinctive black-purple margins and centres that deepen as they mature, creating a remarkable contrast with the dark foliage. As the season progresses, the flowers undergo a captivating colour evolution, developing green tints while maintaining their dark edges. 'Dark Angel Purple' has a compact, rounded habit that makes it suitable for containers and smaller gardens. In neutral to alkaline soils, the flowers will show more pink tones, though still with the distinctive dark edges. The plant's near-black stems add further drama and remain attractive even in winter after the leaves have fallen.

Other benefits: excellent cut and dried flower, long-lasting blooms, distinctive dark stems, suitable for containers

Wildlife attraction: bees and other pollinators, particularly as flowers age

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 1.2m x 1.2m

Position: morning sun with afternoon shade; protect from hot midday and afternoon sun

Soil pH: adaptable to most soil types; flower colour is blue-purple in acidic soil and pink-purple in alkaline soil

Moisture: requires consistent moisture; not drought tolerant; benefits from regular watering and mulching; avoid waterlogged conditions

Winter hardiness: moderately hardy; cold hardy to -15°C; may need protection in colder regions; flower buds can be damaged by late spring frosts