H. ‘Rare Breed’

Overview

Registered in 2019 by G. H. Alley, this medium-sized cultivar produces tricolored leaves with a creamy white center, a medium green intermediate zone, and a greyish olive green margin (NN137B on the RHS Colour Chart). The ovate leaves, with cordate bases and flat margins, exhibit a shiny upper surface and slightly shiny underside, contributing to a distinctive upright, fast-growing habit.

In the Garden

'Hosta 'Rare Breed' reaches 18 inches (45.7 cm) in height and 34 inches (86.4 cm) in diameter at maturity, forming a vigorous, upright clump. It performs best in typical hosta-growing zones with partial to full shade, where its tricolor pattern remains most distinct. The substantial leaves and upright form make it suitable for mid-border positions or as a specimen plant in shaded beds; it pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitor regularly and take protective measures as needed.