Product Description
Hosta 'Fire Island' (Brinka 1998) (20)ct Flat
- A small to medium sized hosta that is hard to miss in the spring garden
- Leaves emerge brilliant yellow on red petioles; red coloring extends from the base of the petiole up into the leaves
- As the season progresses, the foliage darkens to chartreuse, but the red petioles remain all season long
- The broadly ovate leaves are slightly corrugated with distinctly rippled margins at maturity
- Lavender flowers are produced in midsummer
- Vigorous grower; best in full shade
- Parent: longipes hypoglauca x CRESTED SURF.
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 2012
Height: 10 - 14 Inches
Spread: 15 - 30 Inches
Scape Height: 18 - 20 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color: Yellow shades
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting
Hosta 'Fire Island' is a vibrant and eye-catching hosta cultivar that brings a burst of sunshine to shady gardens. It is known for its bright gold foliage, contrasting red stems, and vigorous growth. Here is a closer look at its fiery features:
Appearance:
- Brilliant Gold Foliage: 'Fire Island' emerges in spring with brilliant gold, heart-shaped leaves that have a slightly rippled edge. The leaves are thick and have a good substance, making them less susceptible to slug damage.
- Red Stems: The vibrant gold foliage is beautifully contrasted by light red petioles (leaf stalks) that extend into the base of the leaves, adding another layer of interest.
- Lavender Flowers: In midsummer, it produces lavender flowers on scapes (stalks) that rise above the foliage.
Growing Conditions:
- Shade: Thrives in full shade to partial shade. It prefers full shade to maintain its bright gold color but can tolerate some morning sun.
- Moist Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3-8, making it a versatile choice for many gardeners.
Care:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Mulching: Mulching around the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every few years in spring or fall to maintain vigor.
Uses:
- Shade Gardens: Adds a bright and cheerful focal point to shade gardens.
- Borders: Can be used as a border plant to illuminate shady areas.
- Containers: Its relatively compact size makes it suitable for containers on shaded patios or balconies.
- Specimen Plant: Its unique foliage makes it a great choice for a specimen plant in a container or a special spot in the garden.
Additional Information:
- Small to Medium Size: 'Fire Island' is a small to medium-sized hosta, reaching about 10 to 14 inches tall and 15 to 30 inches wide.
- Vigorous Grower: It is known for its vigorous growth and ability to quickly form a dense mound.
- Color Change: In shade, the leaves may change to chartreuse as the season progresses, while the red petioles remain vibrant.
If you are looking for a hosta with bright gold foliage, contrasting red stems, and a vigorous growth habit, Hosta 'Fire Island' is an excellent choice. It is a fiery and beautiful addition to any shade garden.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
