H. ‘Red Legs’

Overview

Registered in 1999 by Japanese breeder H. Sugita, this small hosta cultivar is a hybrid of *Hosta longipes* and *Hosta pycnophylla*. It is visually distinctive for its dark green, heavily rippled leaf margins and reddish scapes, the latter trait inherited from its *H. longipes* parentage.

In the Garden

‘Red Legs’ forms a moderate-growing, mound-like clump reaching 13 inches (33 cm) in height and 31 inches (78.7 cm) in diameter. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for most hostas, and is well-suited to the front of borders, rock gardens, or container culture due to its small size. Companion plants include ferns, heucheras, and small woodland perennials.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, especially during dry periods. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While hostas are generally susceptible to slugs and deer, the heavily rippled leaves of ‘Red Legs’ may offer slight resistance to slug damage.