H. ‘Valley's Red Raider’
Hosta ‘Valley's Red Raider’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-2 (Small) |
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.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 11.8 in (30 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 13.8 in (35.1 cm) |
| Leaf length | 3.9 in (9.9 cm) |
| Leaf width | 1.8 in (4.6 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 6 |
| Leaf | medium blue-green slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; glaucous bloom underneath; lightly wavy |
| Flower scape height | 7.9–13.8 in (20.1–35.1 cm) |
| Seasonal colour change | becomes medium green at the end of summer |
| Notable characteristics | Nice blue green leaves with powdery white backs and red colored petioles. |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. longipes hypoglauca
- Pollen parent: H. pycnophylla
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-2, small size):
- H. ‘Pacific Blue Edger’ (2009)
- H. ‘Blue Hearts’ (2010)
- H. ‘Faerie Cups’ (2010)
- H. ‘Miss Linda Smith’ (2006)
- H. ‘Mr Blue’ (2005)
- H. ‘Venetian Blue’ (2003)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5955