Hosta 'Red October'

Hosta 'Red October' — a large hosta prized for its elongated blue-green leaves carried on striking deep red petioles that intensify as the season progresses. The foliage forms an upright, arching mound, and the red stems remain visible beneath the leaves, creating strong color contrast uncommon in large hostas. Lavender flowers rise above the foliage in late summer, adding soft seasonal color to this distinctive shade perennial.

Type: Perennial

Mature Size:
Width: 4–5 ft
Height: 24–30 in (to ~36 in in flower)

USDA Zones: 3a–8b

Form: Upright, arching mound

Light: Partial shade to full shade; morning sun tolerated

Soil: Moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter

Water: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil

Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds and bees

Features & Landscape Uses:
Highly valued for dramatic red stems and large foliage, making it an excellent specimen for woodland gardens, shade borders, and focal points. Pairs especially well with gold hostas, blue foliage plants, and ferns. Thick leaves provide good slug resistance.

Care:
Provide rich soil and consistent moisture for best growth. Morning sun can enhance red stem color, but avoid strong afternoon heat. Remove spent flower stalks after bloom and clean old foliage in early spring. Allow mature clumps room to develop fully. 🌿

Plant type

Perennial

Height

24-30"

Width

4-5'

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Summer

Flower color

Lavender

Leaf color

Dark Green

Attracts

Bees, Hummingbirds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Arching, Mounded, Upright

Drought tolerant

No