H. ‘Rhein’

Overview

Registered in 2003 by P. & J. Ruh, *Hosta* 'Rhein' is a small, mound-forming cultivar derived from self-pollinated 'Tardiana' parentage. It is visually distinctive for its compact clump of lance-shaped leaves with medium green, slightly rippled margins and a very shiny upper surface, combined with greenish-yellow scapes that produce flowers below the foliage.

In the Garden

'H Rhein' reaches approximately 10 inches (25.4 cm) in height and 25 inches (63.5 cm) in diameter, forming a full, dense mound with a fast growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of hosta-growing zones, and its small size makes it suitable for rock gardens, woodland edges, or the front of shaded borders. It pairs well with other small shade perennials such as ferns, heucheras, or miniature hostas, and is an excellent candidate for container cultivation.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While 'Rhein' shows typical hosta resistance to deer and slugs, monitoring for slug damage on the shiny leaves is advisable in damp conditions.