H. ‘Red Ryder’
Hosta ‘Red Ryder’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2001 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-1 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2001, 'Red Ryder' is a small variegated hosta resulting from a cross between a streaked selection of Hosta 'Crepe Suzette' and Hosta 'Cherry Berry'. Its most distinctive feature is the combination of dark green leaves with flat margins, slightly shiny surfaces, and purple petioles that extend into the leaf bases.
In the Garden
'Red Ryder' forms a compact mound 9 inches (22.9 cm) tall and 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and its small size makes it suitable for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders. Companion plants such as small ferns, heucheras, or miniature epimediums complement its scale and leaf coloration.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture during dry periods; apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Red Ryder' may be browsed by deer and is susceptible to slug damage, particularly on its tender new leaves.
This summary was generated with AI from the registry record and has not been reviewed yet; the registry data on this page is the reference. How we use AI.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 18 in (45.7 cm) |
| Leaf length | 4 in (10.2 cm) |
| Leaf width | 2 in (5.1 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 6 |
| Leaf | dark green flat margins; slightly shiny on top; slightly shiny underneath; flat |
| Flower scape height | 13–15 in (33.0–38.1 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | dark green with purple petioles |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: streaked selection of H. 'Crepe Suzette' — H. ‘Crepe Suzette’
- Pollen parent: H. 'Cherry Berry
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Red Ryder’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Hiawatha’ (sport)
- H. ‘Tonto’ (sport)
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-1, small size):
- H. ‘Nellie Grey’ (2002)
- H. ‘Midnight Ride’ (2004)
- H. ‘Devil's Poker’ (2009)
- H. ‘Black and Blue’ (2010)
- H. ‘Temple Bells’ (1992)
- H. ‘Spartan Gem’ (1989)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #4603. How we check this data.