H. ‘Scarlet O'Hara’

Overview

Registered in 1996, *Hosta* 'Scarlet O'Hara' is a small, upright cultivar distinguished by its green leaves with gold margins and notably red scapes. The leaf margins transition from yellow to light green with slight rippling, while the leaf base is rounded and the blade surfaces are slightly shiny above and below.

In the Garden

This compact hosta reaches a mature spread of 18 inches (45.7 cm) and a height of 9 inches (22.9 cm), making it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or small-scale woodland plantings. It performs best in partial to full shade, as is typical for the genus, and pairs well with other small hostas, ferns, or shade-tolerant groundcovers. Its small size and upright habit also make it a candidate for container cultivation.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, particularly 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 appropriate deterrents may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.