Distinctive red petioles support glossy, ivory-margined green leaves, making this hosta's young shoots resemble chard or beet greens. In summer, lavender flowers on wine-red stems complete the colorful display.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Sorbet'

Common Name: Sorbet Hosta

Garden Size: 16 inches tall by 24 inches wide; scape height 25-30 inches

Growth Rate: Fast

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Ovate to heart-shaped green leaves with narrow ivory margins and distinctive dark red petioles. Red speckling from the petiole extends slightly into the middle vein of the leaf.

Flowers: Bell-shaped, lavender flowers that grow on dark reddish-purple 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-4b (Medium Leaved, White Margined, Green to Blue Center)

Parentage: Sport of H. ‘Raspberry Sundae’