H. ‘First Blush’

Overview

'First Blush' (2016) is a green-leaved hosta whose pod parent is recorded as a "Solberg 48/49 sdlg." The registry gives the leaf color as medium green with flat margins, slightly shiny above and below. Its red comes early in the season: the registry notes that it "emerges with blood red petioles and red margins", and that the first leaves "blush" red when the second flush of leaves appears.

In the Garden

It is registered as a mound-like plant 14 in (35.6 cm) high and 28 in (71.1 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. The leaves are ovate with a rounded base, 8.5 in (21.6 cm) long and 5 in (12.7 cm) wide, with 6 to 7 vein pairs.

How it compares

'Tom Terrific' (2019) also lists a Solberg 48/49 seedling as its pod parent, but the two entries look different. It is registered upright, 20 in (50.8 cm) high and 36 in (91.4 cm) across, with nearly round, greenish yellow leaves 10 in (25.4 cm) by 9 in (22.9 cm), cordate at the base, and its notes describe "rich purple petioles". Choose 'Tom Terrific' for a larger, round yellow leaf; 'First Blush' is the smaller mound with a green ovate leaf and a red spring flush.

'Infatuation' (2016), from a Solberg 49 Best seedling crossed with 'Red October', is recorded with "cranberry petioles into the leaf blade". Its leaf is intensely blue-green and pointed, 8 in (20.3 cm) by 4 in (10.2 cm), with a glaucous bloom on both sides, on an upright plant 14 in (35.6 cm) high and 24 in (61.0 cm) across.

Flowers and other notes

Scapes are recorded at 26 to 28 in (66.0 to 71.1 cm) and reddish-green. Flower color and bloom dates are not part of the entry. For light, water and slugs, see the general hosta care guide.

Sources: AHS Registry records for 'First Blush' (#1774), 'Tom Terrific' (#5749), 'Infatuation' (#2731), hostaregistrar.org.