Hydrangea macrophylla Early Rose

Hydrangea macrophylla Early Rose is the earliest of the hydrangeas with pink flowers. This variety, with a very compact habit and well-branched growth, is covered with ball-shaped pink flowers with cream-pink centres from June onwards. Over time, these flowers take on a vibrant pink hue. This plant is none other than the natural Early Blue hydrangea, which means it is cultivated without the addition of aluminium sulphate or in neutral garden soil. Like its sibling Early Blue, it has a neat appearance and is less demanding in terms of water, making it more tolerant of watering mistakes, which are common with potted flowers. After 4 to 6 weeks of abundant flowering indoors, it can be moved to the garden at the end of summer, in a shady bed with non-calcareous soil.

Early Rose is a recent Dutch horticultural selection belonging to the FOREVER & EVER® hydrangea series. This variety is derived from H. macrophylla. All these hardy plants belong to the Hydrangeaceae family and originate from China and Japan. Early Rose has a compact and bushy habit, reaching about 1m (3ft) in all directions. The branches are sturdy and the early flowering is abundant, from June to August. Its spherical inflorescences reach 15cm (6in) in diameter, and are almost round and well-filled. They are composed of single sterile florets. In acidic soil, the flowers will have bluer hues; in neutral soil, they will be slightly more pink. Their colour evolves towards a creamy-white or pale-yellow tinged with green. The flowering extends over ample and glossy, deciduous foliage. The leaves are opposite, reaching a minimum length of 20cm (8in). They are single, ovate to elliptical, ending in a pointed tip, and are coarsely serrated. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years.

Early Rose is a compact and remarkably floriferous plant, allowing for an earlier hydrangea season. You can enjoy the flowers from late spring, both indoors and in the garden. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening the north side of houses. This variety will thrive in a non-scorching east or west exposure, in beds as well as in hedges. This modest-sized variety is particularly suitable for container cultivation, which can be placed on a terrace in a beautiful pot, or near an entrance. Although these plants dislike limestone, they are not strictly speaking ericaceous plants. Pair them with Magellan fuchsias or annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their sumptuous flowering for a long time in the garden or indoors.