A Vibrant Beacon of Glossy Green and Red
Hosta 'Almost' is a striking, small-stature cultivar that perfectly captures the beauty of partial colour transitions in the shade garden. A 2005 seedling of Hosta 'Cinnamon Sticks', this variety was hybridized by the legendary Arthur Wrede, who was renowned for his quest to develop hostas with intense red pigments. It features glossy, apple-green leaves with very prominent veining that catch the light beautifully. The name 'Almost' is a playful nod to the plant's signature trait: vibrant red petioles where the saturated beet-red colour bleeds nearly halfway up the central veins of the leaf, creating a stunning visual contrast against the shiny green foliage.
Why It Stands Out
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Vibrant Red Petioles: Features deep red stems where the pigment "bleeds" significantly up the leaf centre veins.
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Glossy Apple-Green Foliage: The leaves possess a high-shine finish and prominent veining that accentuates the red highlights.
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Stunning Floral Contrast: In late summer, purple flowers emerge on sturdy red scapes, providing a dramatic vertical display.
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Compact Architectural Habit: Maturing into a neat, small mound, it is an ideal choice for rock gardens or the front of a shady border.
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Breeding Potential: Its intense red scapes and viable red seed pods make it a prized selection for hybridizers looking to push the boundaries of red-pigmented hostas.
Technical Specs
| Feature |
Details |
| Size |
25 cm Height / 45 cm Width |
| Hardiness Zone |
Canadian Zones 3–9 |
| Colour |
Glossy Green with Red-veined centre; Purple flowers |
| Light |
Partial Shade to Full Shade |
Grower's Tip
To truly highlight the "bleeding red" of 'Almost,' plant it in a location where the leaf bases are visible, such as a raised bed or a slightly elevated garden edge. The glossy green leaves handle our Quebec summers with ease, but the red pigment remains most vibrant when protected from the harshest afternoon sun. At our nursery in Bécancour, QC, we take immense pride in this Arthur Wrede masterpiece. We wait until the specific red-to-green transition and the shiny leaf texture are fully evident before we certify each plant as True to Type. This verification ensures you receive an authentic, established plant ready to bring its unique, high-contrast charm to your Canadian landscape.
