H. ‘Garnet Spires’
Hosta ‘Garnet Spires’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Section class | III-1 (Medium) |
Overview
Registered in 2005, 'Garnet Spires' is a medium-sized hosta cultivar resulting from a complex cross of *H.* 'Liberty Bell' × (*H.* 'Urajiro Hachijo' × *H. pycnophylla*) pollinated by *H.* 'Mikawa-no-Yuki'. It is visually distinctive for its dense, upright mound of broadly ovate, light green leaves with slightly rippled margins, combined with scapes that are a saturated garnet red throughout, intensifying to bright magenta at the base of the flower bracts.
In the Garden
This cultivar forms an erect-flared mound reaching 22 inches (55.9 cm) in height and 38 inches (96.5 cm) in diameter, with a fast growth rate. It is suitable for partly shaded to shaded positions in typical hosta-growing zones, where its upright habit and dense foliage provide textural contrast alongside ferns, heucheras, or other medium-sized hostas. The leaves are held in line with the petioles, contributing to a tidy, compact appearance.
Care Notes
Water regularly to maintain even moisture, especially during dry periods. Fertilize in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer precautions are advisable for this cultivar.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 22 in (55.9 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 38 in (96.5 cm) |
| Leaf length | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
| Leaf width | 6 in (15.2 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 8 |
| Leaf | light green slightly rippled margins; dull on top; dull underneath; lightly wavy, moderately flat |
| Flower scape height | 21–24 in (53.3–61.0 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | erect-flared mound, dense garnet red full scape with strong bright magenta at base of flower bracts, leaf held in line with petiole |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Liberty Bell' x (H. 'Urajiro Hachijo' x H. pycnophylla) — H. ‘Liberty Bell’
- Pollen parent: H. 'Mikawa-no-Yuki' — H. ‘Mikawa-no-yuki’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (III-1, medium size):
- H. ‘Lucille’ (2001)
- H. ‘Akane’ (2010)
- H. ‘Morning Angel’ (2000)
- H. ‘Free Jazz’ (2011)
- H. ‘Old Black Magic’ (1999)
- H. ‘Cherry Flip’ (2012)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #2020