H. ‘Devil's Poker’
Hosta ‘Devil's Poker’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-1 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2009, *Hosta* 'Devil's Poker' is a small variegated cultivar derived from *Hosta* 'Maraschino Cherry' (pod parent) with an unknown pollen parent. Its most distinctive feature is the intense red pigmentation extending from the petioles into the leaf blades and veins, with bright red to red-purple scapes that contrast sharply with the medium green, flat-margined leaves.
In the Garden
'Devil's Poker' forms a compact, upright clump reaching 12 inches (30.5 cm) in both height and diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It is suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container culture, and performs best in partial to dappled shade typical of hosta-growing zones. The pronounced red venation and petioles make it an effective companion for silver-leaved plants or dark-foliaged heucheras.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new shoots emerge. As with most hostas, this cultivar is susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitor regularly and apply controls as needed.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
| Leaf length | 6 in (15.2 cm) |
| Leaf width | 4 in (10.2 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 9 |
| Leaf | medium green flat margins; slightly shiny on top; dull underneath; pronounced veins |
| Flower scape height | 12–22 in (30.5–55.9 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | very red petioles extending into the leaf and veins on front and back. Veins are red most of the way up early. Red flower scapes. |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Maraschino Cherry' — H. ‘Maraschino Cherry’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-1, small size):
- H. ‘Black and Blue’ (2010)
- H. ‘Almost’ (2005)
- H. ‘Urchin’ (2013)
- H. ‘Chocolate Mint’ (2014)
- H. ‘Green Bag’ (2014)
- H. ‘Midnight Ride’ (2004)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #1420