Hosta 'Red October': Red Petioles and Late Season Color

Hosta 'Red October': Autumn Fire in the Shade Garden

Hosta 'Red October', hybridized by Herold-AHS-Walek and introduced in 2009, is a breakthrough for red coloration in hostas: its petioles (leaf stems) are bright red, and the leaf blades develop red flushes in autumn—extending the red season into October.

Red Stems and Autumn Blush

The leaves are medium-large, 8–10 inches long, ovate, medium green. The petioles are vivid red—a striking contrast. In autumn, the leaf blades develop red flushes and margins, intensifying into October. The plant forms a mound 1.5 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide. Pale lavender flowers in midsummer.

Red Breakthrough

Red petioles are rare in hostas; red autumn foliage is rarer. 'Red October' delivers both. It's vigorous, adaptable, hardy in USDA zones 3–9. The red coloration is strongest with some morning sun.

Taxonomic Profile

• Family: Liliaceae
• Genus: Hosta
• Cultivar: 'Red October'
• Hybridizer: Herold-AHS-Walek
• Introduced: 2009

Autumn Finale

'Red October' extends the hosta season into fall with its red transformation. Pair with gold and orange companions for an autumn tapestry. The red petioles provide summer interest. A cultivar that brings October fire to the shade garden.