H. ‘Valley's Red Raider’

Overview

Registered in 2009, *Hosta* 'Valley's Red Raider' is a small, upright cultivar resulting from a cross between *H. longipes* var. *hypoglauca* and *H. pycnophylla*. It is visually distinctive for its medium blue-green leaves with slightly rippled margins, a glaucous white bloom on the undersides, and contrasting red petioles and scapes.

In the Garden

'Valley's Red Raider' reaches a mature diameter of 13.8 inches (35.1 cm) and a height of 11.8 inches (30.0 cm), with an upright growth habit and moderate growth rate. It is well suited to partial shade in typical hosta-growing zones, where its compact size makes it appropriate for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container plantings. The blue-green foliage pairs effectively with golden or chartreuse companions, such as *Hosta* 'June' or *Carex* species.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While slugs may occasionally damage the leaves, the moderate growth rate and small size of this cultivar reduce its vulnerability compared to larger hostas; deer resistance is not documented.