A trailblazing new hydrangea with fabulous flower power made its debut at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 – and it's perfect for every space, adding elegance to a border or windox box with minimal effort.
New this year, Hydrangea Groundbreaker® Blush™ is the world's first true groundcover hydrangea, and it's been heralded as one of this year's star plants at RHS Chelsea 2025.
Tell us more...
'Groundbreaker' was introduced by Dutch hydrangea breeder Living Creations and spearheaded by sixth-generation nurseryman Alex Schoemaker.
It made its public debut in Holland at the Plantarium show, one of the biggest European trade shows, in August 2024, where it scooped a gold medal. Supplier Plantline then introduced 'Groundbreaker' to UK audiences in September 2024 at the Four Oaks Trade Show in Cheshire.
Fast forward to 2025, and Blue Diamond Garden Centres, who won gold for their showstopping immersive walkthrough garden inside the Great Pavilion, featured a series of exclusive plants, including 'Groundbreaker' in its RHS Chelsea exhibit.
So what makes this hydrangea so special?
It's the first one that covers the ground, growing to a height of 30cm with a spread of 60cm. Its neat, spreading mound makes it perfect for covering large areas, such as drift planting in a border, but its compact habit is also ideal for small spaces, whether planting in pots, window boxes or containers, making it the most versatile hydrangea for any size garden.
Emerging from a mound of leafy stems are clusters of petalled blooms that transition from pristine white to deep pink for 100 days throughout summer and into autumn, offering season-long visual impact.
Its ground-covering habit also means it retains moisture while also providing a natural habitat for wildlife.
'If you can cover your ground with flowers, that's revolutionary,' breeder Alex Schoemaker told the RHS.
More from RHS Chelsea:
- First pink Philadelphus crowned plant of the year
- Inside Chelsea Flower Show's Great Pavilion
- RHS launch new rose named after Catherine, Princess of Wales
Is it easy to care for?
Yes. This hydrangea is low-maintenance too. It's bred to cope well with climate change, especially colder winters and hotter summer months, say the experts at Blue Diamond.
It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun or part shade, but it'll just need regular watering, especially in dry periods, to establish strong roots. Prune in early spring to encourage fresh growth and abundant flowering, and feed with a balanced fertiliser. Apply mulch to retain moisture and protect roots.
Where can I buy it?
Hydrangea Groundbreaker® Blush™ is available to pre-order for collection from your nearest Blue Diamond Garden Centre in mid-July and in all other garden centres.
Where to buy Hydrangea Groundbreaker Blush: pre-order now
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