H. ‘Kempen Red Twist’

Overview

Registered in 2014, 'Kempen Red Twist' is a medium-sized hosta cultivar derived from *Hosta* 'Tequila Sunrise' as the pod parent, with an unknown pollen parent. The cultivar is visually distinctive for its blue-green leaves with white margins that exhibit unstable streaking in blue-green, greenish yellow, bright golden yellow, and creamy tones, combined with heavy rippled margins and notably high red petioles.

In the Garden

This upright-growing hosta reaches approximately 19 inches (47.9 cm) in height and 22 inches (54.9 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for blue-green hostas, and can be used as a specimen or in mixed shade borders. The red scapes, reaching 26 to 35 inches (67.0 to 88.9 cm) in height, add late-season interest. Its medium size makes it suitable for most garden settings, though it is not typically recommended for small containers.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it may be susceptible to slug and deer damage, so monitoring and protective measures are advisable in typical hosta-growing zones.