H. ‘Red Cadet’
Hosta ‘Red Cadet’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Section class | V-2 (Miniature) |
Overview
Registered in 2005, this miniature hosta originated from a cross between *H.* 'Riptide' and *H.* 'Blue Cadet'. It is visually distinctive for its compact blue-green foliage with purple petioles, a glaucous bloom on the leaf undersides, and purple scapes that rise to approximately 33 cm.
In the Garden
Reaching a mature diameter of 33.8 cm and height of 15 cm, 'Red Cadet' forms a dense mound with a fast growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, as typical for blue-leaved hostas, and is well suited to rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders. Its miniature size makes it an excellent candidate for container cultivation. Companion plants may include small ferns, heucheras, or shade-tolerant sedges.
Care Notes
Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, particularly during dry periods. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage, though its small stature may make protective measures easier to implement.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 5.9 in (15 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 13.3 in (33.8 cm) |
| Leaf length | 3 in (7.6 cm) |
| Leaf width | 1.88 in (4.8 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 6 |
| Leaf | slightly blue-green flat to slightly rippled margins; dull on top; glaucous bloom underneath; lightly wavy |
| Flower scape height | 7.8–12.9 in (19.8–32.8 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | Like a H. 'Blue Cadet' with purple petioles, leaf has a white back |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Riptide' — H. ‘Riptide’
- Pollen parent: H. 'Blue Cadet' — H. ‘Blue Cadet’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (V-2, miniature size):
- H. ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ (2000)
- H. ‘Ellen’ (1987)
- H. ‘Daniel’ (1986)
- H. ‘Blue Cadet’ (1974)
- H. ‘Itsy Bitsy Spider’ (2004)
- H. ‘Lap Dance’ (2004)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #4593