Hosta Red October

Hosta 'Red October' is a highly sought-after variety. It is one of the best selections of hostas with red petioles, which have become increasingly popular in recent years! Its clump of lanceolate leaves with undulated margins are matte green with bluish reflections. Its semi-erect habit reveals a whitish underside that strongly contrasts with the long coloured petioles that extend to the limbs. Its autumn flowers are exceptionally abundant and ornamental for the genus. From August to September, its clump produces numerous purple stalks with dense clusters of lavender bells. To fully appreciate the decorative aspects of its foliage, plant this hosta in pots, raised beds, or partially shaded slopes. When grouped together, its generous flowering will be even more spectacular. It is a deciduous perennial that cannot tolerate dry and scorching exposures. Always plant it in damp, well-drained, and rich soil, protected from direct afternoon sun.

Hosta 'Red October' is the result of crossbreeding between Hosta longipes f. hypoglauca and H. 'Harvest Delight'. Hosta, also known as Plantain Lily, is a hardy deciduous perennial that produces its leafy clumps in spring. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family. With rapid growth, it forms an upright clump reaching 40 cm (16in) in height and 90 cm (35in) in spread. It is a plant with a good lifespan that bears oval-lanceolate to elliptical leaves with undulated margins, reaching 20 cm (8in) in length and 10 cm (4in) in width. Its leaves are lightly marked by 8 pairs of veins. In autumn flower stems, up to a maximum height of 60 cm (24in), emerge from the centre of its foliage  bearing clusters of lavender bell-shaped flowers which are lightly scented.

Hostas like damp, well-drained, and rich soils, and they dislike drought and scorching exposure to the sun. A location exposed to afternoon sunlight should be avoided as it can burn the leaves of these perennials. In hotter and drier regions, provide a thick mulch. Hostas, with their generous and decorative foliage, are perfect as groundcover, in borders, or in partially shaded or shaded flower beds, where other plants struggle to grow. They like sheltered and damp locations such as woodlands. Varieties with blue and green foliage tolerate dense shade the best. Sun tends to turn blue colours green. Lighter foliage thrives in partial shade where their colour transforms and lightens with increased sunlight. In general, exposure to morning sunlight allows optimal development of these perennials and also makes them more floriferous. Gastropods (slugs and snails) are particularly fond of these fleshy perennials, so contemporary hybridisations aim to create hostas that are increasingly resistant to their attacks. This variety is slug resistant.

Combine them in mixed groups with other hostas, ferns, delphiniums, Solomon's seals, and other low-growing groundcover perennials such as creeping bugles, geraniums, and lamiums. All of them are very effective as slug repellents. The silver Brunnera macrophylla Mr Morse, familiar to woodland areas, makes an excellent companion. Also consider Heucheras with their wonderful range of colours, or the delicate flowers of Epimediums. The golden foliage contrasts beautifully with their red and orange tones. Hostas also thrive in pots that should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly. Hostas complement spring bulbs, appearing in late spring to cover faded plants with their generous foliage! Plant them around a pond with persicarias, carex, and astilbes. The blue-toned leaves harmonise perfectly with the red and purple foliage of Japanese maples.

Did you know: Most of the species spread in our gardens have been introduced from Japan. Hostas, which are edible, are called urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.