Hosta Lady in Red

Hosta Lady in Red is a rare variety that is characterised by wavy leaves with undulated edges, slightly glossy, infused with red along the petiole. Forming a lovely bushy clump, it is adorned with summer flowering spikes in a charming lavender shade. Perennial, hardy, and colourful, this Hosta is perfect for enlivening shaded areas of the garden or patio, in moist soil.

Hostas belong to the Liliaceae family. Native to Japan and China, there are no less than forty species and countless horticultural varieties appreciated for their foliage. The Hosta is a perennial herbaceous plant that is easy to grow in ordinary soil, but prefers shade and moist conditions. Its growth emerges from the ground in spring and disappears in winter.

This Hosta 'Lady in Red' is a mutation of the "Sea Prize" variety. The plant bears beautiful slightly glossy, elongated heart-shaped leaves with veining.  These leaves are a medium green colour, and are carried by red to dark purple petioles at the base. The growth reaches approximately 35 cm (14in) in height and 50-55 cm (20-22in) in width when mature. The purple color extends up to half of the central vein of each leaf.  Flowering occurs in late summer, generally in August-September. From the clump of leaves emerge pink-purple stems, 45 cm (18in) tall, bearing mauve flowers.  Hostas are very long-lived plants that can live for many years in the garden.

Hosta Lady in Red is highly decorative in borders or as an edging plant, but also in containers. Combine it with other varieties, as well as foamflowers and buglosses at the base of a large tree to create a sumptuous foliage display. It pairs well with many perennials such as astilbes, Japanese ferns, epimediums and purple bugbanes, requiring little maintenance. Its foliage will conceal the gaps left by spring-flowering bulbs. It will also thrive alongside lungworts and small violets... All hostas grow well in containers, and can remain in the same container for several years.  As long as the foliage is not too dense, watering from the top of the pot can be done. Then place a saucer under the pot to keeping the moisture level constant in summer.