Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

299 other cultivars

perennial

Hosta Little Red Rooster

Hosta x hybrida 'Little Red Rooster'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Little Red Rooster' is a perennial shade-loving plant with broad, lush green leaves and striking red stems, producing bell-shaped lavender flowers in summer.

This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant red petioles (leaf stems) that extend up into the base of its wavy, bright green leaves, creating a striking color contrast. The red coloration is most intense in spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, decorative foliage year-round, enhancing shaded garden areas.

Suppresses weeds with groundcover growth habit.

Supports pollinators and beneficial insects.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Keep evenly moist

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Hybrid (parents from Asia)

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a shaded spot with moist, well-drained soil.
Tuck young plants into the soil, ensuring roots are covered.
Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil consistently moist.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Divide every 3-4 years in early spring for best growth.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains moist and provide partial shade for optimal growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature
Divide every 3-4 years to maintain health

Don't

Avoid dry, exposed locations ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Refrain from over-fertilizing

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderSilver-foliaged hedgeFoliage contrast in beds

Companion Plants

AstilbeFerns Heuchera Hosta ventricosaJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Little Red Rooster questions

What zones can Hosta Little Red Rooster grow in?

Hosta Little Red Rooster is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hosta Little Red Rooster deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Hosta Little Red Rooster, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Hosta Little Red Rooster bloom?

Hosta Little Red Rooster typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hosta Little Red Rooster need full sun?

Hosta Little Red Rooster does best in part shade.