Scientific Name: Hosta 'First Blush' PP28920

Common Name: First Blush Hosta

Garden Size: 12-14 inches tall by 24-28 inches wide; scape height 28 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Green to reddish-purple heart-shaped leaves with a slight shine. Leaves emerge green on red petioles and blush purplish red when the second set of leaves appears. This red color can last until June in the southern United States, but may last much longer in cooler climates. When the red color fades, a cheerful bright green hosta remains for the rest of the season. To encourage red blush, plant in an area that receives some direct sunlight.

Flowers: Pale purple, tube-shaped flowers that grow on reddish-green scapes above the foliage. Blooms mid to late summer.

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: III-1 (Medium Leaved, Green)

Parentage: Hybrid of H. ‘Beet Salad’ x H. ‘Solberg 48/49’ seedling