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Key characteristics

Family: Hydrangeaceae
Height: 1 to 2 feet
Width: 1 to 2 feet
Flower color: Creamy white initially, maturing to salmon pink and then dark pink
Foliage color: Green
Bloom time: Late spring through summer into fall
Light: Full sun to partial sun
Water: Average
Maintenance: Low, blooms on new wood
Growing zone: USDA Zones 3 to 9
Wildlife: Butterflies

Shrubs

Hydrangea paniculata 'AJ14'

Early Evolution Hydrangea

Hydrangea paniculata 'AJ14', also known as Early Evolution, is a compact hydrangea variety admired for its unique, color-shifting blooms. Emerging in early summer, the conical flower clusters begin as a creamy white, gradually transitioning to soft pink and eventually developing hints of green as the season progresses. This extended bloom period ensures a dynamic and evolving display that adds continuous interest to gardens through late summer.

Light

Full sun to partial sun

Water

Average

Bloom time

Late spring through summer into fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Containers
Foundation Plantings
Formal Gardens

Companion plants

Holly · Daisy bush · Tulips · Pineapple lily · Salvias · Rose campion

Design tip

Use ‘Early Evolution’ to bring hydrangeas into the front of a sunny border, where its unusually compact size won’t overwhelm lower plantings. Repeating several plants can create a low flowering ribbon that changes color as the season progresses.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)