Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
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 season’s 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 Care
Plant 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 Spacing
Space 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 Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Bushes |
| Light Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade |
| Mature Height: 16 Inches |
| Mature Spread: 28 Inches |
| Spacing: 24 - 30 Inches |
| Habit: Compact, Groundcover, Spreading, Dwarf |
| Flower Color(s): White, Pink, Ruby Red |
| Flower Description: Large white flower panicles emerge in summer before gradually changing through shades of pink to a rich ruby red, providing up to 100 days of color. |
| Bloom Period: July - September |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: Fine green foliage with dense branching forms a compact flowering groundcover. |
| Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
| Watering: Medium |
| Resists: Disease |
| Tolerates: Heat |
| Attracts: Pollinators |
| Container Role: Filler, Spiller |
| Uses: Borders, Containers, Groundcover, Mass Planting |
| Features: Blooms on New Wood, Color Changing Flowers, Easy Care, Long Bloom Season, Low Maintenance |
| Brand: Groundbreaker® |
| Common Name: Groundbreaker® Ruby Hydrangea |
| Other Name(s): Groundbreaker Ruby Groundcover Hydrangea |
| Scientific Name: Hydrangea paniculata 'Lc No27' PBRAF |
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2026. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
| Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
|---|---|
| Zone 10 | April 6th |
| Zone 9 | April 6th |
| Zone 8 | April 6th |
| Zone 7 | April 13th |
| Zone 6b | April 20st |
| Zone 6a | April 27th |
| Zone 5b | May 4th |
| Zone 5a | May 11th |
| Zone 4 | May 18th |
| Zone 3 | May 25th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: Idaho, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!
