H. ‘Purple Flame Forever’

Overview

Registered in 1988 by M. Zilis and T&Z Nursery, this medium-sized hosta cultivar is a hybrid of *Hosta ventricosa* 'Aureomaculata'. It is visually distinctive for its green leaves with pale yellow margins, which contrast with the deep purple flowers that appear on tall scapes.

In the Garden

'Hosta Purple Flame Forever' forms a clump approximately 40 inches (101.6 cm) in diameter and 20 inches (50.8 cm) in height, with individual leaves measuring 9 inches (22.9 cm) long and 6.25 inches (15.9 cm) wide, each bearing nine pairs of veins. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the gold margins remain most vivid, and pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials. Its medium size makes it suitable for border plantings or as a specimen in woodland gardens.

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 is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.