H. ‘Color Riot’

Overview

Registered in 2010 by Paul and Jean Ruh, 'Color Riot' is a small hosta cultivar distinguished by its creamy white leaf centers bordered by medium green, slightly rippled margins. The ovate leaves, measuring 4.8 inches (12.2 cm) long by 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) wide, exhibit a dull upper surface and slightly shiny underside, with light twisting, folding, and waviness. The pollen parent is *Hosta undulata*; the pod parent is unknown.

In the Garden

'Color Riot' forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching 8 inches (20.3 cm) in height and 11 inches (27.9 cm) in diameter, with a slow growth rate. Its small size and bright variegation make it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container plantings, where the white leaf centers provide contrast against darker foliage. It pairs well with fine-textured shade perennials such as ferns or heucheras and performs best in partial to full shade, as is typical for variegated hostas.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many hostas, 'Color Riot' may be susceptible to slug and deer damage, so monitoring and protective measures are advisable in areas where these pests are prevalent.