Van Sellers registered this cultivar of unidentified parentage in 1987. It grows to a height of 16 inches and 44 inches in width. The leaves are broadly ovate, moderately corrugated, slightly wavy and have thick substance. Lavender flowers bloom in August.

According to The Hostapedia by Mark Zilis (2009), "Though 'Riptide' comes out of H. pycnophylla, it differs by the blue-green foliage color and the density of its flower clusters. Most likely pollen parents include H. 'Sieboldiana', H. 'Tokudama' or a "Tardiana" type."