H. ‘Righteous Rays’
Hosta ‘Righteous Rays’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2003 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-3 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2003, *Hosta* 'Righteous Rays' is a small-sized sport of *Hosta* 'Sum and Substance' (pod parent) with unknown pollen parent. The cultivar is visually distinctive for its ovate, deeply veined green leaves with golden yellow, slightly rippled margins that develop a gold ground color with green veining as the leaf matures, combined with very shiny surfaces on both sides.
In the Garden
Reaching 11 inches (27.9 cm) in height and 20 inches (50.8 cm) in diameter with an upright growth habit, 'Righteous Rays' is suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container culture. It performs best in partial to light shade, typical of small hostas, and pairs well with ferns, heucheras, or other small woodland perennials. Its moderate growth rate and compact size make it appropriate for small garden spaces.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer precautions are advisable for this cultivar in typical hosta-growing zones.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 11 in (27.9 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 20 in (50.8 cm) |
| Leaf length | 5.5 in (14 cm) |
| Leaf width | 3 in (7.6 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 6 |
| Leaf | golden yellow slightly rippled margins; very shiny on top; very shiny underneath; deeply veined and lightly wavy |
| Flower scape height | 22–25 in (55.9–63.5 cm) |
| Seasonal colour change | chartreuse to gold as season progresses |
| Notable characteristics | gold with green undertone; as leaf turns gold, veined green |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Sum and Substance' — H. ‘Sum and Substance’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-3, small size):
- H. ‘Little Miss Magic’ (2004)
- H. ‘Fire Island’ (1998)
- H. ‘Blonde Elf’ (2010)
- H. ‘Post-it’ (2012)
- H. ‘Peach Salsa’ (2013)
- H. ‘Gold Cadet’ (1974)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #4680