Suttons is thrilled to announce that its entry has achieved Second Place in the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year Award 2026: Hydrangea paniculata GROUNDBREAKER RUBY (‘Lc No27’) (Groundbreaker Series), exhibited by Hare Spring Cottage Plants, bred by Alex Schoemaker, supplied by Suttons.
This prestigious nomination highlights our dedication to finding plants that solve real garden challenges while filling your outdoor space with wow-factor.
Gavin Shaw, horticultural expert at Suttons, said:
“We are delighted to have been awarded second place for our outstanding new hydrangea variety, Groundbreaker Ruby. Renowned for its exceptionally long flowering period of over 100 days, this striking hydrangea is both easy to grow and highly versatile, thriving beautifully in garden borders as well as patio containers.”
Read on to discover more about the award-winning hydrangea…
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Groundbreaker® Ruby’
Hydrangea ‘Groundbreaker® Ruby’ Second Place in RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2026
Image: Hydrangea ‘Groundbreaker® Ruby’ from Suttons
Hydrangea ‘Groundbreaker® Ruby’ is a genuine world-first. While most paniculata varieties grow upright, this is the first hydrangea with a true spreading groundcover habit. Reaching a height of just 40cm, it offers a practical and low-maintenance way to bring structure, colour and soil cover to your borders.
Key features, at a glance:
- Unique spreading habit: Instead of upright growth, this revolutionary dwarf variety stays low to the ground, making it perfect for suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture.
- Colour-shifting blooms: The flowers last from July to late November, emerging in a crisp white before gradually deepening through soft pink to a rich, ruby-red.
- Long-lasting impact: It provides a long season of interest at ground level, bringing colour to areas of the garden often left bare.
- Versatile use: Its compact nature makes it effective in window boxes, large patio containers, hanging baskets and borders.
Sutton’s New Product Development Manager, Rob Smith, said:
“Who doesn’t want a colour-changing hydrangea that flowers for over 100 days? Hydrangea ‘Groundbreaker® Ruby’ taps into a growing trend for plants that are both reliable and versatile. It’s about giving gardeners more flexibility in how they use familiar plants, especially in smaller gardens and for container planting.”
This year’s success builds on an impressive track record, with Suttons having secured three top positions in the past decade alone. Founded in 1806, the Devon-based nursery has been at the forefront of gardening innovation for over two centuries. It holds a Royal Warrant, reflecting its enduring reputation for quality and excellence.
Lead image: Hydrangea ‘Groundbreaker® Ruby’ from Suttons
