Plantipp Celebrates Wins at the 2026 Chelsea Flower Show
May 20, 2026 
Plantipp celebrating wins at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. | Plantipp
Plantipp celebrates a double win at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with Hosta Red Ninja® winning Plant of the Year and Hydrangea paniculata Groundbreaker® Ruby taking second place.
First Place for Hosta Red Ninja
Hosta Red Ninja impressed the judges with its deep-red foliage, described as one of the reddest hostas currently on the market. The variety combines strong color retention with purple late-season flowers and a compact, low-maintenance habit.
Hosta Red Ninja was selected by breeder Ninja Kramer and exhibited by Sienna Hosta, with Fairweather’s Nursery as the supplier. Beyond its striking appearance, the variety was recognized for bringing innovation to the hosta category, combining ornamental value with strong garden performance and broad consumer appeal.
Hydrangea Groundbreaker Ruby Takes Second Place
Alex Schoemaker’s Hydrangea paniculata Groundbreaker Ruby also stood out as the world’s first true ground-covering panicle hydrangea. Its naturally spreading habit, compact size, and ruby-red color transformation offer a new use for Hydrangea paniculata in modern gardens and containers.
The awards highlight the growing demand for innovative, high-performing plants that combine strong visual impact with practical garden performance. Plantipp’s 2026 Chelsea collection focused on varieties developed for real growing conditions, smaller spaces, and changing climate demands.
“It’s amazing to see all the efforts pay off,” says Kim van Rijssen of Plantipp, the U.K. partner of Concept Plants. “The growers and breeders behind these plants have worked for years with so much passion, and to see their commitment rewarded like this gives a real sense of victory.”
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