Hydrangea paniculata GROUNDBREAKER® RUBY: runner-up in RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year

The Groundbreaker® Series represents a major innovation in Hydrangea paniculata, introducing the first true groundcover forms within this traditionally upright group.

Bred by Alex Schoemaker of Living Creations Holding BV as part of the Groundbreaker® programme, they were developed through targeted breeding to create a plant that grows wider than it does tall – a completely new approach for this species. 

• Discover how Alex Schoemaker bred the Groundbreaker® Series and what makes it so pioneering

Selected from thousands of seedlings, one stood out for its naturally low, spreading habit, strong branching, fine foliage and exceptionally heavy flowering. The result is a compact, resilient and highly distinctive range of low-growing hydrangeas that create a dense groundcover, redefining how this much-loved garden plant can be used.

Hydrangea paniculata GROUNDBREAKER® RUBY (‘Lc No27’) follows hot on the heels of the award-winning GROUNDBREAKER BLUSH, which was first available to UK gardeners in 2025. Now, GROUNDBREAKER® RUBY has scooped second place in the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2026 competition.

Offering a new and vibrant colourway in the Groundbreaker® Series, its flowers open white, gradually deepening through shades of pink to a rich ruby red, creating a long-lasting carpet of colour from summer into autumn. This means the hydrangea brings both seasonal colour and structural appeal in a completely new format that is ideal for landscaping, covering ground, edging borders and growing in containers.

The flowers open white before developing a ruby colouring that deepens as the season progresses

What did the judges say?

The panel of expert judges were impressed by the innovation, compact habit and strong all-season appeal of GROUNDBREAKER® RUBY. They highlighted its striking colour-changing flowers, particularly the attractive progression of tones over time, as well as its long flowering period, which keeps it visually engaging throughout the year.

The judges agreed that the hydrangea’s dwarf, low-growing form makes it ideal for smaller gardens, groundcover and containers, while versatility, resilience and low maintenance add to its appeal. They noted its abundant blooms, pleasing and uniform shape and excellent suitability for both garden use and commercial production, which in their view make it a distinctive, impactful and highly marketable introduction.

Why grow Hydrangea paniculata GROUNDBREAKER® RUBY?

GROUNDBREAKER® RUBY is special in several ways:

• First series of true groundcover Hydrangea paniculata, with a low, spreading habit that helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture
• Vibrant ruby-red flowers that develop through the season for dynamic colour
• Long flowering period of around 100 days for extended garden interest
• Compact size (around 40cm high x 70cm wide), ideal for smaller spaces
• Highly disease resistant and exceptionally low maintenance
• Slightly open flower structure supports pollinators and boosts biodiversity
• Versatile use – perfect for borders, edging, containers, hanging baskets and mass planting

Hydrangea paniculata GROUNDBREAKER® RUBY on display at RHS Chelsea 2026

Care and growing advice

GROUNDBREAKER® RUBY is designed to be adaptable, reliable and easy to grow, making it suitable for a wide range of gardeners.

Where to plant Hydrangea paniculata GROUNDBREAKER® RUBY

• Suitable for borders, edging and groundcover planting
• Ideal for compact gardens, containers, window boxes and hanging baskets
• Thrives in sun to partial shade
• Performs best in well-drained soil. If planting in containers, use peat-free compost

How to care for Hydrangea paniculata GROUNDBREAKER® RUBY

• ​Water regularly during establishment, preferably with collected rainwater. Once established, only during prolonged dry periods
• Minimal feeding required, though a spring feed with liquid seaweed can support strong growth
• Requires little to no pruning – lightly tidy in early spring if needed

Unlike traditional upright hydrangeas, GROUNDBREAKER® RUBY eliminates any need for staking or regular pruning and shaping, making ongoing maintenance simple and straightforward. It is both heat and cold-tolerant once established, performing reliably across a wide range of conditions.

Compact, innovative and highly versatile, GROUNDBREAKER® RUBY creates a continuous carpet of colour with minimal effort – offering a fresh, space-efficient way to enjoy hydrangeas while combining strong performance with modern garden appeal.

Breeder: Alex Schoemaker. Exhibitor: Hare Spring Cottage Plants. Supplier: Suttons. 

Representatives from the Hydrangea paniculata GROUNDBREAKER® RUBY team receiving their award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, presented by Roy Lancaster