H. ‘Red Hot Flash’

Hosta 'Red Hot Flash'
Photo © Wikimedia Commons contributor, CC

Hosta ‘Red Hot Flash’ is a registered cultivar () .

Year registered2004
Section classIV-6b (Small)

Overview

Registered in 2004 as a sport of *Hosta* 'PeeDee Gold Flash', 'Red Hot Flash' is a small, mound-forming cultivar distinguished by its lance-shaped, variegated leaves. The foliage displays grayed medium green centers (RHS 144C) with narrow, dark green margins (RHS 143A) that are slightly rippled, and the scapes bear red speckling, a trait inherited from its parent lineage.

In the Garden

'Red Hot Flash' reaches a mature spread of approximately 21 inches (53.3 cm) and a height of 12 inches (30.5 cm), forming a compact, moderate-growing mound. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of hosta-growing zones, and is well-suited for rock gardens, small borders, or container plantings due to its small size. Companion plants include ferns, heucheras, or other small hostas that complement its narrow, variegated foliage.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many hostas, 'Red Hot Flash' may be susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitor and manage as needed in the garden.

Size and leaf

Clump height12 in (30.5 cm)
Clump width21 in (53.3 cm)
Leaf length12 in (30.5 cm)
Leaf width2 in (5.1 cm)
Vein pairs5
Leafgrayed medium green (RHS color 144C) with .5in (1.3cm) wide, dark green (RHS color 143A), slightly rippled margins; dull on top; dull underneath; lightly wavy
Flower scape height22–25 in (55.9–63.5 cm)
Seasonal colour changecenter becomes greenish white (RHS color 145D) ; and margin becomes darker green (RHS color 137B)

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-6b, small size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #4597