Early Evolution® Panicle Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata 'AJ14' PP30,983
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Early Evolution® Panicle Hydrangea - #3 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
From | To | S&H |
---|---|---|
$0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
$20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
$50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
$70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
$100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
$130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
$150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
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2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
#1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
#3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
#6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
#7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Early Evolution® Panicle Hydrangea highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun, Partial Shade
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Flower Color
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Pollinator Friendly
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodSummer, Late Spring, Fall

Growing Zones
Early Evolution® Panicle Hydrangea-Changing Blooms!
The Early Evolution® Hydrangea PP#30983 (Hydrangea paniculata 'AJ14') is a one-of-a-kind flowering shrub that transforms throughout the season, offering ever-changing colors that bring excitement and charm to your garden. This compact Panicle Hydrangea starts the season with creamy white flower clusters, which gradually shift to soft pink and then deepen into rich red hues as summer transitions into fall.
Unlike traditional Hydrangeas, Early Evolution® blooms earlier than most varieties, ensuring colorful, long-lasting beauty from late spring through fall. With its compact size, strong stems, and exceptional cold hardiness, this low-maintenance shrub is perfect for small gardens, borders, and container plantings.
>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions
Why You’ll Love Early Evolution® Hydrangea
- Multi-Season Color – Flowers begin creamy white, shift to soft pink, and deepen into a stunning red as the season progresses.
- Earliest Blooming Panicle Hydrangea – Begins flowering earlier than most Hydrangea varieties, extending the season of color.
- Compact & Space-Saving – Reaches only 2-3 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for small gardens and tight spaces.
- Cold Hardy & Tough – Thrives in USDA zones 3-8, returning stronger each year.
- Strong Stems & Upright Growth – Holds up well against wind and rain, preventing drooping blooms.
- Drought & Heat Tolerant – Once established, requires minimal watering and care.
- Perfect for Containers – Its small size and continuous color shifts make it a showpiece in patio planters.
Best Ways to Use Early Evolution® in Your Landscape
With its compact habit and stunning color transformation, this Hydrangea is an easy way to add long-lasting beauty to any garden. Try planting it to:
- Brighten Small Gardens & Borders – The ever-changing blooms add visual interest all season long.
- Enhance Walkways & Path Edges – Creates a neat, colorful accent along paths and garden beds.
- Make a Statement in Containers – Perfect for large pots on patios, balconies, and front porches.
- Attract Pollinators – Loved by butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds for its nectar-rich blooms.
- Plant in Mass for a Colorful Display – A group of these shrubs creates a breathtaking wave of shifting color.
Easy Growing & Hydrangea Care Guide
Hydrangeas are very easy to grow deciduous shrubs! Here’s the cliff notes for their care.
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; prefers morning sun with afternoon shade in hotter climates.
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a variety of soil types.
- Watering: Moderate; water regularly when newly planted, then reduce as it matures.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning required, trim in the early spring before new growth emerges. Cutting back the shrub by one third.
- Mulch: Provide a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch around your shrub's root system.
Order Early Evolution® Hydrangea Today!
If you want a Hydrangea that changes color throughout the season, blooms early, and stays compact, Early Evolution® Hydrangea is the perfect fit. With its long-lasting, shifting blooms, low-maintenance care, and strong, upright growth, this shrub is a must-have for any garden. Order today and enjoy a garden that evolves with the seasons! Now available at Nature Hills Nursery!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Early Evolution® different from other Hydrangeas?
This variety blooms earlier than most Hydrangeas and its flowers continuously change color throughout the season, from white to pink to red.
How tall and wide does Early Evolution® Hydrangea grow?
It stays compact at 2-3 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for small gardens, patios, and container plantings.
Does this Hydrangea attract pollinators?
Yes! The nectar-rich flowers draw butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, adding life to your garden.
Can Early Evolution® Hydrangea be grown in a container?
Absolutely! Its small size and strong stems make it perfect for patio pots and decorative planters.
How do I prune Early Evolution® Hydrangea?
Prune in late winter or early spring, cutting back old wood to encourage fresh growth and blooms.
Is this Hydrangea deer-resistant?
While no plant is completely deer-proof, Hydrangeas are generally not a preferred food source for deer.