Groundbreaker® Ruby™ Hydrangea

Size

Also in the Groundbreaker® CollectionGroundbreaker® Blush™ Hydrangea Shop Blush Groundbreaker® Ruby Hydrangea is a low-growing panicle hydrangea with a spreading habit that adds long-lasting color to the landscape. Large white flower panicles begin blooming in midsummer before gradually changing through shades of pink to a rich ruby red as the season progresses. The blooms can last up to 100 days, providing reliable color from summer into fall.This Groundbreaker® selection was bred for rich branching and a spreading habit that grows wider than tall, making it an excellent choice for low borders, foundation edges, slopes, pollinator beds, and window boxes. Its dense branching and compact growth also make it well suited for decorative containers. Since Groundbreaker® Ruby™ Hydrangea blooms on new wood, flower buds form on the current seasons growth and are more dependable after winter pruning. This shrub reaches about 16 inches tall and 28 inches wide at maturity and grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8.Groundbreaker® Ruby Hydrangea CarePlant Groundbreaker® Ruby™ Hydrangea in full sun to partial shade, with bright morning light and protection from harsh late-day sun in warmer regions. It grows best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil amended with compost at planting. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is preferred.Soak the root ball and surrounding soil thoroughly at planting, then monitor moisture closely while new roots spread. During dry stretches, water when the upper few inches of soil begin to dry, especially in containers or exposed sunny beds. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins; avoid late-summer feeding so stems can mature before winter. Mulch around the plant to reduce moisture swings and protect the shallow root area.Prune Groundbreaker® Ruby™ Hydrangea in late winter or early spring before the buds break. Cut stems back to about 8 inches for a fresh, dense mound, or trim more lightly if the plant already has the shape you prefer. Remove faded flower heads for a cleaner look, or leave some dried panicles for fall and winter texture.Groundbreaker® Ruby Hydrangea SpacingSpace Groundbreaker® Ruby™ Hydrangea 24 to 30 inches apart on center for a connected groundcover planting. Give each plant 30 to 36 inches of room in mixed borders so the low branching can spread without crowding neighboring perennials. For containers, choose a pot or window box at least 16 inches wide with drainage holes, and check moisture more often during hot weather.In sunny beds, plant Groundbreaker® Ruby™ Hydrangea with speedwell and bee balm, which add upright bloom spikes and support pollinators. Sweetspire works nearby in moist, well-drained soil, adding a shrub layer with spring flowers and fall foliage. For container plantings, use alyssum or nemesia along the rim for seasonal color that stays low beside the ruby-aging hydrangea blooms.

Groundbreaker® Ruby Hydrangea InformationUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8Plant Type: BushesLight Exposure: Full Sun, Partial ShadeMature Height: 16 InchesMature Spread: 28 InchesSpacing: 24 - 30 InchesHabit: Co