H. ‘Ruby’
Hosta ‘Ruby’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-1 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2013, *Hosta* 'Ruby' is a small variegated cultivar derived from an unnamed seedling pollinated by *H. 'Raspberry Sorbet'*. The plant is distinguished by its deeply wavy, ovate leaves with medium green centers and heavy rippled margins, combined with intensely red petioles, scapes, and flower pedicels.
In the Garden
This cultivar forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching 8 inches (20.3 cm) in height and 14 inches (35.6 cm) in diameter, with a fast growth rate. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, typical for small hostas, and is well suited to rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders. Its small stature and vivid red stems make it an effective accent alongside other small hostas or fine-textured shade perennials such as ferns or heucheras.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in warmer exposures, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. As with most hostas, slug and deer damage may occur and should be monitored.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 8 in (20.3 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 14 in (35.6 cm) |
| Leaf length | 4.25 in (10.8 cm) |
| Leaf width | 2.25 in (5.7 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 5 |
| Leaf | medium green heavy ripples margins; slightly shiny on top; very shiny underneath; deeply wavy |
| Flower scape height | 9–15 in (22.9–38.1 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | very red petiole, light purple flowers with red bases and pedicels |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: sdlg
- Pollen parent: H. 'Raspberry Sorbet'
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-1, small size):
- H. ‘Urchin’ (2013)
- H. ‘Chocolate Mint’ (2014)
- H. ‘Green Bag’ (2014)
- H. ‘Black and Blue’ (2010)
- H. ‘Devil's Poker’ (2009)
- H. ‘Almost’ (2005)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #4877