Hydrangea 'Early Sensation'

Willowbrook Nurseries Inc.

$39.99
Title

Be the first in the neighbourhood to welcome summer with the stunning 'Early Sensation'. This gorgeous mophead hydrangea produces massive, rounded clusters of vibrant pink or sky-blue blooms much earlier than other varieties. Its deep forest-green, toothy foliage provides a lush, velvety background that makes the brilliant flower heads truly pop, while its compact, mounded form adds a refined and tidy elegance to any garden bed or patio container.

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Plant Details

Mature Size:

3' H x 3' W

Zone:

4-9

Watering:

Medium to High

Foliage Type:

Deciduous

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Light:

Part Sun/Part Shade

Plant Profile

Common Names:

Early Sensation Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Bigleaf Hydrangea

Scientific Name:

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Early Sensation'

Type:

Ornamental Flowering Shrub / Rebloomer

Growth Details:

  • Mature Size: 2–3 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide.
  • Growth Habit: Compact, mounded, and upright.
  • Growth Rate: Moderate.
  • Longevity: Can live for 20+ years with proper care.

Environmental Needs:

  • Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
  • Soil Preferences: Thrives in rich, loamy, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
  • Soil Tolerance: Adaptable to various soil types; however, flower color is pH-dependent (Blue in acidic soil, Pink in alkaline).
  • Watering: Consistent moderate to high watering needs; ensure deep soakings during dry spells.

Special Features:

Rebloomer (blooms on both old and new wood), ensuring flowers even after a harsh winter. Highly tolerant of urban pollution. Attracts bees and butterflies.

Care Guide

Ornamental & Landscape Value

Seasonal Interest:

  • Bloom: Large clusters of pink or blue flowers from late spring/early summer through to frost.
  • Fall Colour: Foliage may take on subtle bronze or yellow tones, but not ornamentally significant.
  • Winter: Dried flower heads can be left on for winter structure and texture.

Garden Value:

Excellent for foundation plantings, mixed borders, and as a "thriller" in decorative patio containers. Highly valued for fresh or dried floral arrangements.

Wildlife & Human Value:

  • Wildlife: Provides nectar for pollinators.
  • Human: Exceptionally high ornamental appeal for residential landscaping and premium cut flowers.

Planting & Care Guide

Planting Considerations:

Best planted in spring or early fall. Space plants 3 feet apart for a continuous border. Select a sheltered location to protect flower buds from harsh winter winds.

Care:

  • Light: Performs best in partial sun with morning light and dappled afternoon shade; too much direct afternoon sun can cause wilting.
  • Moisture: Requires regular watering to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
  • Maintenance & Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or one formulated for acid-loving plants in early spring and again in early summer. Prune only to shape after the first flowering to avoid removing next year's buds.

Tolerances:

Tolerates urban pollution and inner-city environments. Rabbit resistant

Tips For Success:

Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots from temperature fluctuations. To maintain blue blooms, add aluminum sulfate to the soil; for pink blooms, use garden lime.

Fruit Profile