A lush, deep green hosta with wine-red leaf stems, especially striking in spring when the young leaves resemble beet greens or chard. In summer, purple flowers rise on red scapes over the clump of glossy, pointed leaves, completing the colorful display.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Gooseberry Sundae'

Common Name: Gooseberry Sundae Hosta

Garden Size: 12-18 inches tall by 24 inches wide; scape height 30 inches

Growth Rate: Most hostas have a moderate to fast growth rate.

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Glossy green leaves grow on reddish-purple petioles, giving the young shoots the appearance of beet greens or swiss chard. The leaves have a rounded base and taper to a point, and their texture is thick, glossy, and slightly waxy.

Flowers: Purple, trumpet-shaped flowers that grow on wine-red scapes above the foliage. Blooms mid to late summer. Develops dark purple seed pods in 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: Not registered

Parentage: Sport of H. 'Raspberry Sundae'