Award-winning and RHS runner-up, Groundbreaker, sets a new benchmark for one of the UK’s most consistently popular plants
Whilst hydrangeas are well-established as one of the UK’s most consistently popular flowering plants, beautifying gardens, borders and entrances the length and breadth of the country, it’s relatively unusual for there to be a significant new entrant to the market. Then came the Hydrangea paniculata Groundbreaker from Living Creations, which wowed judges at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show with its sensational Ruby, Blush and elegant Greeny blooms.
An expertly cultivated product of horticultural innovation, with the inspired eye for garden design and savvy understanding of consumer lifestyle trends that you’d expect from Living Creations, Groundbreaker lives up to its name by going above and beyond expectations of what a hydrangea can deliver: no mean feat when you consider the possibilities already being realised by these beautiful plants. Now for the first time in the world, there is a panicle hydrangea that works as ground cover, with a dense growing habit that leaves no room for weeds and requires very little maintenance.
UK born and bred, there is an opportunity now for Groundbreaker to be established as THE hydrangea of choice for the gardening trade and consumers alike, which are both inclining strongly towards home grown plants and produce. This is an RHS-recognised plant that even novice gardeners can be confident of growing themselves, and they’re equally at home in a quintessential English country garden or contemporary urban balcony.
Hydrangeas are close to the top of plant popularity charts year-in, year-out, with novice gardeners and seasoned green thumbs alike revelling in their lavish blooms. These typically inhabit a spectrum ranging from azure blue to magenta and, whilst none would deny the breathtaking effect of traditional hydrangeas in all their glory, the unique coloration of Groundbreaker Ruby – the RHS choice – is a sight to behold. It is perfectly complemented by the delicate Blush and Greeny varieties. These dazzling gems are guaranteed to catch the eye of anyone in search of a flowering feature that will elevate their home turf and attract universal admiration in the process.
Its compact shape makes this the ideal specimen plant for borders, where it will effortlessly stand alone or complement more complex planting schemes. The flowering period is July to September and the superb colour of this plant will gradually evolve throughout the season, bringing interest and diversity to any garden, even if it’s the only thing in sight.
Easy to care for, at home in the shade and even in inhospitable north-facing areas, hydrangeas are a tried and trusted favourite when it comes to beautifying challenging low-light zones. The exceptionally long 100-day flowering period of Groundbreaker – possible thanks to its outstanding hardiness to temperatures as low as -30°C – makes it perfectly suited to all extremes of the British climate.
The manageable size of Groundbreaker plants, which grow to a maximum height of about 40cm high and 70cm wide in the case of the Ruby and slightly smaller for the Blush and Greeny, also means they are ideal for growing in containers, thereby unleashing the gifting potential of this sensational new hydrangea.
Groundbreaker hydrangeas are available at many well-stocked specialty garden centres, hardware stores, and garden nurseries and also online.
