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Are Red Hostas for Real? Discover the Beauty of Rosy Purple Elegance

Michelle

Updated: Jan 28

When it comes to hostas, a question we often hear is, Are there red hostas? The answer is a resounding yes – but with a twist. In the hosta world, "red" doesn’t mean bright fire-engine red or classic American red. Instead, red hostas showcase a stunning palette of rosy purples, deep burgundies, and rich plum tones. Let’s explore what makes a hosta “red,” the standout traits of these unique plants, and how to ensure you’re getting the quality and value you deserve.


Hosta First Blush
Hosta First Blush

What Makes a Red Hosta?

In hostas, the term "red" refers to subtle yet striking tones that may appear in various parts of the plant:

  • Red Petioles (Legs): Many red hostas display vibrant reddish-purple hues along the petioles (the stalks connecting the leaves to the main stem). These colorful legs add a surprising pop of color.

  • Red Flower Scapes: The tall stems bearing hosta blooms often feature deep red or purple shades, lending elegance to their upright structure.

  • Red Veining: Some varieties have red or purple bleeding into the veins in their leaves, offering a beautiful interplay of color and texture.

  • Red Blush on Leaves: Recent breeding advancements have brought us varieties with leaves featuring a soft, red blush or undertone, creating an even more dramatic effect.


Hosta Skywriter has purple-red petioles (legs)
Hosta Skywriter has purple-red petioles (legs)

Reliable Red Hostas: Selections to Consider

If you’re looking to add red hostas to your garden, choose varieties known for their dependable coloring. At Hosta Heaven, we’re thrilled to offer these stunning selections:

  • H. First Blush – Among the pioneers of red-blushed leaves, this variety offers a unique twist to any shade garden.

  • H. Fire Island – Bright yellow leaves with striking red petioles make this hosta a true standout.

  • H. Sorbet – A delightful variety showcasing a mix of green and red tones.

  • H. Skywriter 2025 Hosta of the Year – A graceful addition with its elegant form and subtle red-purple petioles.


Other noteworthy red hostas include Jack Berry, Island Breeze, Lemon Snap, and Bloodline. These varieties exemplify the rosy purple tones that define red hostas.


Beware of the Red and White Hosta Scam

When exploring red hostas, it’s crucial to be aware of scams, particularly those involving seeds. You may come across listings for seeds promising bright red or red-and-white hostas. Here’s why you should steer clear:

  1. Hostas Don’t Grow True from Seed: As hybrids, hostas inherit unpredictable traits from two parent plants. Even if seeds germinate, the resulting plants are highly unlikely to resemble the advertised variety.

  2. Long Wait Times: It takes 1-3 years for seedlings to mature, by which time the seller may have vanished.

  3. Unrealistic Claims: Bright red and white hostas simply don’t exist. Any claim to the contrary is a red flag for deception.


Think of hostas grown from seed as genetic surprises – much like children, they inherit traits from both parents, but the outcomes are unpredictable.


2-year old hosta Skywriter in quart size
H. Skywriter in quart size

Tips for Finding Quality Red Hostas

To ensure you’re getting top-notch plants, consider these attributes of a quality grower or retailer:

  • Plant Size Transparency: Be sure you know the size of the hosta you’re purchasing. Starter plants and liners are fine, but check that the price matches the size. $21.99 for a liner-sized plant with three leaves potted into a quart pot is not a quart-sized plant. While the price might be right if the hosta is rare, the "quart" size is a misrepresentation in this case. A quart sized hosta should:

    • Fill out its pot and have 6 to 12 leaves, although larger varieties may have fewer.

    • May have flowered (First Blush below) and, if you're lucky, your plant may have a second shoot in the pot (Skywriter above).

    • Likely to be in its second or third year of growth. A mini hosta may require three or four years to fill out a quart pot.

    • Until then, it should be described as a liner, starter or, possibly, a 3-inch pot size.

  • Accurate Photos: Look for sellers who provide photos of the size and stage of growth for the plants they’re selling. While it isn’t usually the exact plant you’re buying, except maybe on Etsy, photos of current size give a good sense of what to expect.

  • Signs of Red Traits: Even smaller hostas should show early indications of red petioles, scapes, or leaf blush. Keep in mind that young potted plants may have narrower leaves and less developed colors compared to mature, specimens.

  • Inspection, Testing and Protocols: Quality sellers are cautious about disease, pathogens and other problems in the nursery. They can and will happily tell you about their inspection schedule, testing protocol, sanitation practices and other methods to prevent disease and pathogens from entering and spreading throughout their nursery. Go ahead and ask. A reputable nursery will have an answer for you.


Hosta First Blush, barely old enough to blush.
h. First Blush, barely old enough to blush, but with telltale red petioles and flower scape.

At Hosta Heaven, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality hostas and the rest of their garden friends in sizes that suit every budget, along with the transparency and care you expect from a family-owned nursery.


Ready to Add a Touch of Rosy Elegance to Your Garden?

Whether you’re drawn to the subtle charm of red petioles or the bold statement of rosy-blushed leaves, red hostas bring unique beauty to your landscape.


Explore our selection today and discover why the quality of a small family owned and operated nursery business matters when it comes to creating your dream garden.

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