At first glance, the name Groundbreaker immediately makes sense. During flowering, these compact hydrangeas create an almost continuous carpet of blooms, combining exceptional flower coverage with a neat, uniform growth habit. What started as a single outstanding selection has evolved into a complete collection of three varieties: Groundbreaker Blush, Groundbreaker Ruby and Groundbreaker Greeny. Together they form The Power of Three—one collection in which each variety has its own colour and character while delivering the same consistent quality and garden performance.

According to breeder Alex Schoemaker, that was the vision from the very beginning. “We didn’t want to introduce individual varieties. We wanted to create a complete collection that offers something for every application and every consumer.”

One collection, three personalities
Groundbreaker Blush is the foundation of the series. Its compact habit, excellent branching and exceptional flower production create an impressive display in which the foliage almost disappears beneath the blooms. This combination of uniformity and flowering performance made Blush the successful starting point of the collection.

Groundbreaker Ruby adds a completely different dimension. The flowers open pure white before gradually changing to soft pink and finally developing into a deep rose colour. Because the plant continuously produces fresh flowers, white, pale pink and dark pink blooms appear simultaneously, creating a dynamic display that lasts well into autumn.

The third variety, Groundbreaker Greeny, completes the collection with its distinctive green flowers. While green-flowering hydrangeas appeal to a more specialised audience, they provide an attractive alternative to traditional flower colours and add extra versatility to the range.

“Not everyone prefers the same colour,” Schoemaker explains. “That’s exactly why we wanted a collection that offers real choice.”

One concept, worldwide
Groundbreaker is more than a collection of hydrangeas. Living Creations has developed an international network of growers who work closely together on production, quality and market development. The same genetics are grown in different countries, while product forms can be adapted to local market requirements. Whether sold in small retail pots or as larger patio and garden plants, the distinctive Groundbreaker quality remains consistent.

“We work closely with our growers,” says Schoemaker. “Not only on new selections, but also on marketing, presentation and the future development of the collection.”

This cooperation has turned Groundbreaker into a recognisable international concept.

Continuous innovation
Although the collection has become firmly established, Living Creations considers Groundbreaker an ongoing breeding programme rather than a finished product. New selections are continually evaluated for more compact growth, stronger stems, longer flowering and improved colours.

“Our customers can expect us to keep innovating,” says Schoemaker. “Whenever we see an opportunity to improve a plant, we will pursue it.”

This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that Groundbreaker continues to evolve while retaining the qualities that made the collection successful.

A carpet of flowers
Groundbreaker shows its full potential when several plants are used together. Their compact habit and extraordinary flowering quickly transform borders and planting schemes into a spectacular mass of colour.
Schoemaker describes it simply:

“You end up with a carpet of flowers.”

That image perfectly captures the essence of Groundbreaker: a compact hydrangea collection in which three distinct varieties come together to create one powerful concept.