Hosta 'Cherry Berry': Unique Red-Stemmed Center-Variegated Hosta

Hosta 'Cherry Berry': Red Stems and Creamy Centers

Hosta 'Cherry Berry', hybridized by Lachman and introduced in 1991, is a distinctive center-variegated hosta with creamy-white centers, dark green margins, and—most notably—bright cherry-red petioles (leaf stems) that extend into the leaf veins. A triple threat of color.

Red Stems, Cream Centers, Green Margins

The leaves are medium-large, 8–10 inches long, broadly ovate. The centers are creamy white with green streaking. The margins are dark green. The petioles are vivid cherry-red, bleeding into the midrib and primary veins. The three-color effect (red, cream, green) is unique and striking. The plant forms a mound 1.5 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide. Pale lavender flowers in midsummer.

Red Petiole Pioneer

'Cherry Berry' was an early breakthrough for red petioles in center-variegated hostas. It prefers deeper shade for the centers. Good substance. Hardy in USDA zones 3–9. The red stems are a constant summer feature.

Taxonomic Profile

• Family: Liliaceae
• Genus: Hosta
• Cultivar: 'Cherry Berry'
• Hybridizer: Lachman
• Introduced: 1991

Three-Color Drama

'Cherry Berry' delivers red, white, and green in one plant. The red petioles create vertical lines; the cream centers light the shade. Use as a specimen, in groups for a red-stemmed colony, or paired with red-twig dogwood. A cultivar of unique color combination.