Q: I find seeds for brightly colored hostas being sold online, but where can I buy plants?
A: Well, as the old adage goes, buyer beware.
The advertisements selling seeds for vividly colored hostas (Hosta spp. and hybrids) like the one above are, at best, misleading. As of now there are no bright blue, vivid red or rich purple hosta cultivars. The images have been doctored. Want more proof?
Scroll to the site’s Terms of Use page and it will explain that the company is not responsible for plants that don’t match the images in the ad. It’s better to buy from local or reputable online companies who will stand behind their stock.
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Try these reliable & colorful hostas
So, what is colorful in the hosta world these days? The lists below show a few proven standards and new introductions to try.
Red-leaved hostas are still elusive
It's safe to say that true red-leaved hostas have yet to be found. However, several cultivars have red or burgundy petioles (leaf stems) that can add a colorful accent to the garden. Here are a few of our favorites:
- ‘Island Breeze’ hosta (above)
- ‘Cherry Berry’ hosta
- ‘Red Dragon’ hosta
Trusted blue hostas
Blue hostas are the most shade tolerant, in hues of gray- or blue green, often with a waxy coating. Try a few of these reliable blue varieties:
- ‘Halcyon’ hosta (above)
- ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ hosta
- ‘Blue Angel’ hosta
Love blue hostas? Enter our sweepstakes for a chance to win 3 unique varieties from NH Hostas this summer!
Hostas with yellow or gold foliage
Bright yellows and golds shine in the shade. But most show the best color if they get sun part of the day. Try these cultivars to brighten your garden beds and borders:
- ‘Coast to Coast’ hosta (above)
- ‘Lemontini’ hosta
- ‘Lipstick Blonde’ hosta
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