Hosta 'Red Ninja'

Hosta 'Red Ninja' has achieved what hosta enthusiasts have been quietly hoping for over decades—the creation of a true red-leaf hosta. This extraordinary breakthrough has redefined what a plantain lily can be. Emerging in spring with deep burgundy-red tones, the leaves of Hosta 'Red Ninja' glow with a velvety richness, held aloft by matching ruby-red stems that seem to shimmer in the shade. The red colour gradually softens as the season unfolds, taking on dusky green undertones while still maintaining that unmistakable red blush. It’s a plant that turns the familiar hosta form into something almost otherworldly—rich, refined, and just a little rebellious.

Far from being all show and no substance, Hosta 'Red Ninja' is robust and beautifully structured, forming a neat clump of broad, heart-shaped foliage that brings texture and depth to shaded borders. Its compact habit makes it an excellent candidate for containers, where its unusual red colour can be admired up close. In midsummer, delicate lavender blooms rise above the foliage, their subtlety complementing rather than competing with the drama below. This red hosta sits comfortably alongside ferns, heucheras and other shade-loving perennials, offering an entirely fresh palette to play with in the garden.

As the world’s first red-leaf hosta, Hosta 'Red Ninja' represents a genuine horticultural milestone. It’s a plant that celebrates innovation while staying true to the serene elegance hostas are known for. Whether you’re a collector or simply someone who loves to grow something special, this bold and beautiful red hosta brings a sense of quiet triumph to any shaded corner. It’s proof that patience in gardening—and in plant breeding—can lead to something truly extraordinary.