H. ‘Red Stilts’

Overview

Registered in 2011, *Hosta* 'Red Stilts' is a small, variegated cultivar of unknown pollen parentage, with *H.* 'Sea Octopus' as the pod parent. It is visually distinctive for its upright, vase-like habit, supported by conspicuously red petioles and a tall red scape, which contrast with the medium green, lance-shaped leaves that have slightly rippled margins.

In the Garden

'Red Stilts' reaches a mature spread of approximately 30 inches (76 cm) and a height of 20 inches (51 cm), with flower scapes extending 31 to 40 inches (79–102 cm) tall. Its upright, moderate growth rate and small size make it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container cultivation in partial to full shade. The red stems and scapes provide a strong vertical accent when paired with low-growing, fine-textured perennials such as ferns or heucheras.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, slug and deer damage may occur; monitor regularly and take protective measures as needed. This cultivar is hardy in typical hosta-growing zones.