Hydrangea VELVET NIGHT RED LACE places third in 2026 RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year

VELVET NIGHT RED LACErepresents a remarkable step forward in hydrangea breeding, introducing a feature rarely seen within the genus – exceptionally dark red to near-black foliage.

Now, it’s landed third place in the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year competition 2026, following Hosta RED NINJA (‘Nk2021’) in first place and Hydrangea paniculata GROUNDBREAKER RUBY (‘Lc No27’) (Groundbreaker Series) in second.

Developed from an extensive breeding programme involving over 12,500 seedlings

A seedling is a young plant grown from seed.

, Hydrangea VELVET NIGHT RED LACE combines this dramatic leaf colour with striking red lacecap flowers, creating a bold and entirely new visual effect.

Careful selection and rigorous trialling ensured the plant was not only distinctive in appearance, but also reliable, resilient and suitable for a wide range of garden settings, from borders to containers.

The result is a hydrangeathat redefines expectations, offering intense, stable foliage colour that remains visually impactful throughout the growing season

The period of time when an individual plant is in active growth. This will depend on the local climate and light levels, and can vary between different plants, although it is broadly from spring to autumn.

– even when the plant is not in flower.

What did the judges say?

Judges described Hydrangea VELVET NIGHT RED LACE as a stunning and groundbreaking introduction with deep, intense colouring and a truly distinctive combination of dark foliage and rich crimson blooms. Several highlighted its uniqueness, commending it as a first of its kind and unlike anything currently available.

The hydrangea’s low-growing habit, abundance of flowers, bold colour contrast and striking visual impact throughout the season were noted as major strengths. Overall, they felt it will be a highly marketable plant with potential to be a major commercial success, and one that they expect to have wide popular appeal among gardeners.

Why grow Hydrangea VELVET NIGHT RED LACE?

This unique hydrangeastands out in several ways:

• Rare near-black, dark red foliage provides dramatic contrast rarely seen in hydrangeas
• Vibrant red lacecap flowers create a striking and unconventional pairing
• Season-long interest, with bold foliage offering impact beyond flowering
• Perfect for modern planting designs focused on rich colour and strong contrasts
• Easy to grow and highly versatile, suitable for a range of garden styles

Care and growing advice

This hydrangea is designed to be both striking and straightforward to grow.

Where to plant Hydrangea VELVET NIGHT RED LACE

• Suitable for garden borders or containers
• Thrives in moist, well-drained soil. If growing in containers, use peat-free compost
  

  Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own.

• Best in partial shade with good light levels to enhance foliage colour
• Ideal for a wide range of garden settings, from traditional to contemporary

How to care for Hydrangea VELVET NIGHT RED LACE

• Water regularly, especially during dry periods and preferably using stored rainwater, to maintain healthy growth and flowering
• Apply a liquid seaweed feed in spring to support strong development and colour
• Mulch
  

  Mulch is a layer of material, at least 5cm (2in) thick, applied to the soil surface in late autumn to late winter (Nov-Feb). It is used to provide frost protection, improve plant growth by adding nutrients or increasing organic matter content, reducing water loss from the soil, for decorative purposes and suppressing weeds. Examples include well-rotted garden compost and manure, chipped bark, gravel, grit and slate chippings.

  with organic matter, ideally homemade compost or leafmould, to retain moisture and improve soil structure
• Minimal pruning required – remove dead or damaged wood and lightly shape after flowering if needed

This hydrangea performs reliably with the same care as Hydrangea serrata and Hydrangea macrophylla, making it accessible to gardeners of all experience levels.

Bold, innovative and visually striking, it sets a new benchmark for ornamental hydrangeas. With its unique combination of near-black foliage and vivid red flowers, it offers exceptional garden impact.

Breeder: Botanic Experience B. V. Exhibitor: Blue Diamond Garden Centres. Supplier: Van Son & Koot.

Representatives from the Hydrangea VELVET NIGHT RED LACE team receiving their award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, presented by Roy Lancaster