Overview
Hosta 'Purple Heart' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Hosta 'Purple Heart' grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants.
About
This herbaceous perennial grows in clumps, featuring leaves that range from lime green to darker green, with maroon bases. The petioles are a deep maroon, approaching black. In late summer, pale purple flowers appear on spikes that are also maroon.
About the genus
Hostas are perennial plants that grow in clumps, featuring simple leaves that can be ovate or lanceolate in shape. These leaves may exhibit appealing colors or variegation. In early summer, they produce erect racemes bearing nodding flowers that are funnel- or bell-shaped.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hosta
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Hosta 'Purple Heart' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hosta 'Purple Heart'
- Cultivation
- Performs best in neutral or slightly acid soil that is moist but well drained, sheltered from cold dry winds in partial shade. Will not tolerate drought. Apply a mulch in Spring. Leaf colour may be poor if planted in chalky soil.
- Pruning
- Remove dead foliage when growing season is over
- Propagation
- Propagate by division
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs, snails, vine weevils but has some resistance to slugs
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a virus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Hosta 'Purple Heart'?
Performs best in neutral or slightly acid soil that is moist but well drained, sheltered from cold dry winds in partial shade. Will not tolerate drought. Apply a mulch in Spring. Leaf colour may be poor if planted in chalky soil.
Where is the best place to plant Hosta 'Purple Heart'?
Hosta 'Purple Heart' prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hosta 'Purple Heart' need?
Hosta 'Purple Heart' grows best in clay and loam soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Hosta 'Purple Heart'?
Remove dead foliage when growing season is over.
How big does Hosta 'Purple Heart' grow?
Hosta 'Purple Heart' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Hosta 'Purple Heart' hardy in the UK?
Hosta 'Purple Heart' has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Hosta 'Purple Heart'?
Propagate by division.