Hydrangea macrophylla FOREVER&EVER® 'EARLY SENSATION' mop-head hydrangea

Early Sensation is a new mop-head hydrangea from the Forever&Ever series. It was bred by Darwin Plants, the Netherlands, in 2005. It offers very early blooming amonst all mop-head hydrangeas – under good conditions the flowers may appear from mid to late June already and keep on blooming until the first frosts. The colour depends on soil pH: in order to achieve blue shade you need acidic soil with pH of 5.2-5.5, use aluminium sulphate to increase soil acidity. For pink or purple red shades your soil has to be alkaline, i.e. pH of 6.0-6.2, use dolomitic lime powder to increase pH. If you are unsure about your soil acidity buy a simple testing kit in your local DIY. Common practice of many gardeners is that they leave it in the soil they have and such plant makes flowers of various shades, from light pink to mauve or violet.

The flowers appear on both old and new wood so you don’t have to worry about pruning or unexpected frost or any other damage. You will always have flowers. Deadheading will enhance flowering and speed up forming of new flower buds. The leaves are mid green and deciduous. The plant is compact.

Grow it in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, you should never let the soil dry out especially in the first year before it gets established. The name hydrangea suggests it will need a lot of water but should never stand in water in heavy clay soil. It will love part shade or filtered sunlight, you can also grow it in full sun if you provide extra watering on hot days. Good mulch is advisable at all times. Fertilizing is crucial for this type of hydrangea if you want a pretty plant with many flowers. Fully hardy to min. -29°C (USDA zone 5) and the breeder promises hardiness even down to -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 25-06-2013.