Hosta 'Solar Flare' – Radiant Gold Foliage for Shaded Light

Hosta 'Solar Flare' (PP7046) ignites the shade garden with its brilliant, glowing gold foliage that seems to capture and reflect light. Registered in 1981 by Ross-Gardenview, this patented cultivar was an early breakthrough in solid gold hostas.

Botanical Profile

Family:	Liliaceae (lil-ee-AY-see-ee)
Genus:	Hosta (HOSS-tuh)
Cultivar:	'Solar Flare'
Patent:	PP7046
Hybridizer:	Ross-Gardenview
Registration Year:	1981

Brilliant Solid Gold

The leaves of 'Solar Flare' are a luminous, clear gold throughout—no green margins, no variegation, just pure golden foliage. The leaves are broadly ovate with a gentle undulation, forming a medium-sized, dense mound. The gold color is most intense in spring with some morning sun, holding well into summer. The substance is moderate.

Light for Maximum Gold

Like all gold hostas, 'Solar Flare' needs light to develop its brightest color—morning sun or bright dappled shade is ideal. In deep shade, the foliage will be more chartreuse. The early 1981 patent (PP7046) marks it as one of the first patented gold hostas, representing a significant breeding achievement at a time when solid gold hostas were rare.

Historical Significance

Ross-Gardenview's 1981 introduction helped launch the gold hosta revolution. Before cultivars like 'Solar Flare,' gold hostas were largely unstable sports. This patented cultivar demonstrated that stable, solid gold foliage could be achieved and propagated reliably.