H. ‘Pale Rider’

Overview

Registered in 2014 by an unknown hybridizer, 'Pale Rider' is a small hosta distinguished by its green leaves with gold margins that undergo a notable color shift, with the margins transitioning from light green to a very pale whitish yellow as the season progresses. The ovate, slightly wavy leaves are dull on both surfaces and feature six to seven vein pairs, with a rounded base and slightly rippled, moderately flat form.

In the Garden

'Pale Rider' reaches a mature spread of 18 inches (45.7 cm) and a height of 10 inches (25.4 cm), with an upright, moderate growth habit. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of hosta-growing zones, and pairs well with other small shade perennials such as ferns, heucheras, or dwarf astilbes. Its compact size makes it suitable for container cultivation or placement in the front of a shaded border.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, slug and deer damage may occur; monitor and manage as needed.