Hosta Hybrid 'Red Cadet'

• Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Wildlife: Deer-resistant, though rabbits may occasionally nibble on young shoots.

• Season: Spring through Fall
• Flowering Season: Mid-summer to early fall
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Shade gardens

– Border edges

– Woodland plantings

– Accent in containers

• Color: Deep green leaves with reddish-burgundy stems.
• Shape: Broad, heart-shaped leaves with wavy margins.
• Texture: Smooth and slightly glossy, with veins providing a subtle contrast.
• Size: Leaves can grow 6-8 inches long, adding a lush and full appearance.

• Color: Pale lavender to white, bell-shaped flowers
• Bloom Time: Blooms typically emerge in midsummer, adding vertical interest and a delicate touch to the plant’s bold foliage.
• Height of Flowers: The flower spikes rise above the foliage, typically reaching 12 to 18 inches.

• Best Time to Plant: Early spring or early fall, allowing the plant to establish itself before the heat of summer or the frost of winter.

Planting Instructions:

• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend with compost if necessary to ensure moisture retention.

• Spacing: Plant 18 to 24 inches apart to allow room for the foliage to spread.

• Depth: Plant at the same depth it was in the container, making sure the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface.

• Pruning Needs: Remove yellowing or damaged leaves as needed throughout the growing season to keep the plant looking fresh. Deadhead spent flowers to prevent energy from being used on seed production.

• Winter Care: Mulch in colder climates to protect roots from frost. Leaves will die back naturally with the first frost, and foliage can be cut back once it dies down.

• Watering Frequency: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in the first growing season to establish a strong root system.

• Drought Tolerance: While Hosta hybrids are somewhat drought-tolerant, they perform best with regular watering, especially during dry spells.

• Preferred Light: Partial to full shade.
• Tolerates: Some morning sun but prefers to avoid the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.

– Hosta ‘Red Cadet’ is not typically harvested as an edible or cut flower plant

– Gardeners may collect dry seed pods in fall for propagation

– For ornamental use, foliage can be trimmed as needed for tidy appearance, or removed after the first frost

Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Reapply midseason if needed, but do not over-fertilize as it can cause overly lush growth that is more prone to disease.

• Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the plant to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

• Dividing: Divide clumps every 3-5 years in early spring or fall to prevent overcrowding and promote vigorous growth.

• Pests: Generally pest-free, though slugs and snails can occasionally damage the foliage.

Hosta hybrid 'Red Cadet' flowers are typically self-fertile, but they are also attractive to bees and other pollinators, which can enhance the chances of seed formation.

– Astilbe – adds feathery blooms and thrives in similar moist, shaded conditions

– Heuchera (Coral Bells) – offers colorful foliage and similar size contrast

– Ferns (e.g., Dryopteris, Athyrium) – pair well in woodland or shaded settings

– Brunnera macrophylla – heart-shaped leaves and spring blooms

– Pulmonaria – early-season flowers and speckled foliage complement hosta texture

– Tiarella – forms neat mounds with delicate flower spikes

– Tricyrtis – fall-blooming and moisture-loving, pairs well in understory beds