The ‘Red October’ Hosta is a popular variety known for its unique visual appeal and adaptability. Hostas are renowned for their lush foliage and ability to thrive in shaded environments, making them a staple in many garden designs. This cultivar’s distinct characteristics contribute to its name and allure, making it a captivating addition to diverse landscapes.
Distinctive Features of Red October Hosta
‘Red October’ Hosta features long, narrow leaves that are blue-green on top and silvery-white underneath. These lanceolate leaves have acute tips and open bases, with a slightly rippled, smooth texture. The foliage forms an arching, symmetrical clump, providing a full and dense appearance.
The most notable characteristic, which gives the plant its name, is the vibrant red coloring of its leaf stems, known as petioles. This red pigment drenches the petioles and extends subtly into the lower portions of the leaf veins. The coloration becomes more pronounced with maturity and can intensify under dappled or filtered sunlight.
This hosta forms a medium-sized mound, growing 10-18 inches (25-45 cm) tall with a spread of 20-28 inches (50-70 cm). Its upright, arching, vase-shaped habit contributes to its form. In late summer to early fall, ‘Red October’ produces funnel-shaped, pale lavender flowers on tall, reddish-purple scapes that can rise up to 24-28 inches (60-70 cm) above the foliage. These blooms attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bees.
Cultivating Red October Hosta
Site Selection and Soil
‘Red October’ Hosta thrives in partial to full shade; dappled or filtered sunlight is ideal for healthy growth and intensifying leaf colors. Morning sun is tolerable, but direct hot afternoon sun can scorch leaves and should be avoided. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Soil pH should range from slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.5. Incorporating organic amendments like compost improves soil structure and fertility.
Watering and Fertilizing
Consistent moisture is important for ‘Red October’ Hosta to ensure full size. Water deeply at the base, allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry slightly between waterings. While established plants tolerate some dry shade, soils should not dry out completely. A balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer can be applied in early spring as new growth emerges. Over-fertilizing is not recommended as it can lead to leggy growth.
Pest and Disease Management
Slugs and snails are common pests that chew irregular holes in hosta leaves. To manage them, strategies include hand-picking, placing slug baits, or creating barriers with coarse sand or copper tape. Removing leaf litter and debris in early winter reduces overwintering sites for these pests. Foliar nematodes, microscopic worms causing browning or streaking between leaf veins, are another concern; good sanitation and avoiding overhead watering prevent their spread.
Fungal diseases like petiole and crown rot can occur in overly wet conditions. Ensuring good air circulation and well-draining soil mitigates these issues.
Integrating Red October Hosta into Your Garden
‘Red October’ Hosta is a versatile plant that enhances various garden settings, especially in shaded areas. Its mounding habit and distinctive red petioles make it suitable for planting along pathways, in woodland gardens, or as a specimen plant. The vibrant red stems provide a striking contrast against its green foliage in a shade garden.
Consider combining ‘Red October’ with other shade-loving plants that offer contrasting textures or colors. Ferns, such as Japanese Painted Fern, provide delicate textures that complement hosta foliage. Astilbe, with its feathery plumes, and Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spectabilis) offer additional blooms and varied forms. Heuchera, or coral bells, introduce a range of foliage colors that pair well with the hosta’s green and red hues. ‘Red October’ Hosta also performs well in containers, making it an option for shaded patios or balconies, though container-grown plants may require more frequent watering.