We’re delighted to announce that one of our groundbreaking new hydrangeas has made the shortlist for the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2026 Award. This prestigious nomination highlights our dedication to finding plants that solve real garden challenges while filling your outdoor space with wow-factor.

Read on to discover more about the special hydrangea that’s competing for the top prize at the show…

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Groundbreaker® Ruby’

Hydrangea ‘Groundbreaker® Ruby’ is shortlisted for 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.”

The horticultural team at Suttons takes pride in its long history of delivering beautiful, versatile and innovative plants to British gardeners. And as a Royal Warrant Holderwe’re honoured to have supplied the royal family with seeds since the 1850s. Follow Suttons as we head to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to see whether our shortlisted star will be crowned the winner!

Lead image: Hydrangea ‘Groundbreaker® Ruby’ from Suttons