Summary
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Total Eclipse’ is a selection of the species from Jim Pyler of Natural Landscapes Nursery in West Grove, PA. This cultivar performed in a very similar manner to Hydrangea arborescens but with minor ornamental differences. These included a marginally smaller habit, earlier bloom time, and less deadwood by the fifth year of the evaluation. From a floral perspective, H. arborescens ‘Total Eclipse’ was nearly identical to the species, both in its overall dimensions and in its ability to attract pollinators. As a result, H. arborescens and H. arborescens ‘Total Eclipse’ are both included in the top-five pollinator-preferred list because they attracted an annual average of 209 and 206 pollinators, respectively. H. arborescens ‘Total Eclipse’ responded by producing a more compact and mounded habit when cut back, with a 22 percent increase in floral diameter and larger, darker green leaves.
Details
- Rating
4.2 (Top Performer) - Common Name
Total Eclipse wild hydrangea - Bloom Period
late June – mid July - Peak Bloom
early July - Size
6.5’ x 8’ - Flower Type
Lacecap - Inflorescence Diameter
4.5" - Pollinator Score
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