Red petioles set this jaunty hosta apart: its yellow new leaves on red stems resemble colorful chard or beet greens. With summer heat, the leaves turn chartreuse, and long reddish scapes carry lavender flowers high above the bright foliage.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Designer Genes'

Common Name: Designer Genes Hosta

Garden Size: 8-12 inches tall by 18-30 inches wide

Growth Rate: Fast

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Broad, heart-shaped, yellow leaves grow on showy red petioles. This hosta is especially striking in spring when its bright yellow shoots emerge on wine-red stems, resembling beet or rhubarb leaves. The leaves mature to a yellow-green color later in the season.

Flowers: Lavender, tube-shaped flowers that grow on reddish scapes above the foliage. Blooms late summer to early autumn.

Plant Origin: East Asia, primarily Japan and Korea. Most commercially available hostas are hybrids.

Wildlife Support: Hummingbirds and some bees enjoy the flowers. A favorite treat for our local deer.

Fertilizing: Apply compost in early spring before new growth emerges.

Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks to encourage new growth; trim back damaged or yellowing leaves as needed. Leave the leaves over the winter and wait until early spring to clean up.

ASPCA Toxicity flags (see their site for details): Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Uses: Ideal for shade gardens, woodland borders, and container plantings.

AHS Classification: IV-3 (Small Leaved, Yellow)

Parentage: Seedling of H. 'Miss Susie'