Hydrangea 'Groundbreaker Ruby'
"Hortensia"
Orders placed until 29 February 2026
You can expect your order in February/March 2026
Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2026
You can expect your order in March/April 2026
Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2026
You can expect your order within 10 business days
UK orders over £50
Free shipping
UK orders under £50
£4.99
Northern Ireland orders under £50
£5.99
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Description
Hydrangea 'Groundbreaker Ruby' is a bold twist on the classic Hydrangea paniculata, compact enough to charm any small garden yet generous in its floral display. Growing to just 40cm tall and spreading to 70cm wide, Hydrangea 'Groundbreaker Ruby' forms a dense, richly branched mat, perfect for borders, terraces, or even as a striking container feature. From July to November, its profusion of flower heads shifts through a spectrum of white, soft pink, and deep ruby, finishing the season with a dramatic dark pink flourish. The fine foliage complements the colourful blooms, while Hydrangea 'Groundbreaker Ruby’s' tidy habit makes it a versatile choice for modern garden designs or as a low-maintenance groundcover.
Thriving in full sun with well-drained soil, Hydrangea 'Groundbreaker Ruby' rewards a light winter prune with a spectacular summer flowering display. Its low-growing, wide-spreading nature ensures it doesn’t overwhelm neighbouring plants, yet it still makes a bold impression in small gardens, patios, or public planting schemes. Hardy to −30°C, Hydrangea 'Groundbreaker Ruby' is as resilient as it is beautiful, combining elegance, longevity, and a vivid seasonal colour story. Whether planted in borders, containers, or as part of a massed display, Hydrangea 'Groundbreaker Ruby' proves that a compact form can deliver an unforgettable impact.
Key features
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Perfect for pots
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Comes back every year
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Fragrant
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Attractive to wildlife
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In peat-free compost
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Low maintenance
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Drought tolerant
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Fully hardy
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Rodent resistant
Specs & details
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Botanical name
Hydrangea paniculata Groundbreaker® Ruby™
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Flower colour
White, pink, red
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Plant size
1
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Established height
30-50cm
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Established spread
50-70cm
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Plant spacing
3 plants per m2
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Leaf colour
Green
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Habit
Upright
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Life cycle
Deciduous shrub
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Hardiness
Fully hardy
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Years to establish
1-2 years
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Sunlight
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade -
Position
Sheltered
Exposed -
Suitable for
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens -
Soil acidity
Any
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Soil moisture
Free draining
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Soil type
Clay
Loam
Multipurpose compost -
RHS Award (AGM)
Yes
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Growing skill
Easy to grow
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Scented
Yes
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Pollinator-friendly
Yes
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Mouse resistant
Yes
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Rabbit resistant
Yes
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Deer resistant
Yes
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Toxicity
No report
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- Planting
- Flowering
Useful information
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Soak the Hydrangea 'Groundbreaker Ruby' roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting
Plant your "Hortensia" bare roots into temporary pots with a multipurpose compost within a week of delivery and grow-on in a sheltered spot outdoors
Choose a pot which comfortably fits the bare roots. Some have a noticeable crown which should be just below the soil surface with any top growth exposed. Some varieties are a length of root which should be planted lengthways and shallowly (1-2cm deep).
Plant out into borders or permanent containers in late spring or early summer once in full growth. Choose a position in sun or shade depending on the variety.
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Orders placed until 29 February 2025
You can expect your order in February/March 2025Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2025
You can expect your order in March/April 2025Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2025
You can expect your order within 10 business days
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