If you love hostas that do something unexpected, ‘First Blush’ deserves a spot in your collection. This distinctive introduction from hybridizer Bob Solberg was one of the first hostas to bring such dramatic red coloration to the foliage—and it remains a standout today.
Spring is when ‘First Blush’ really puts on a show. New leaves emerge with vivid red coloring along the margins and around the veins, while the red petioles extend right up into the leaf blades. As temperatures rise, the red gradually gives way to green, creating a fascinating color transition as the season progresses.
The compact, mounded plant reaches approximately 14 inches tall and 28 inches wide, making it an excellent choice for the front of a hosta bed, along a shady border, or even in a container.
And just when you think the show is over, deep purple flowers appear on striking reddish-purple scapes in mid to late summer.
‘First Blush’ is one of those hostas that makes you stop and look twice. Its spring coloration is spectacular, its seasonal transformation is fascinating, and its unusual red pigmentation makes it a must-have for collectors looking for something beyond the ordinary.
