I picked up a copy of the September/October 2011 issue (No. 141) of FINE GARDENING today and found that H. 'Raspberry Sundae' is spotlighted in the "Plant Picks" section, at page 21, under the headline "A hosta with more to offer."
Here's what the magazine says in responding to a question from a hosta lover in Ohio about whether "there [is] anything new in [his] favorite group of plants":
'Raspberry Sundae hosta (Hosta 'Raspberry Sundae, Zones 4-9) has beautifully variegated leaves, but that's not what sets it apart. The base of the leaves, leaf stalks, and flower stems are all a striking burgundy color. Add to these unique traits the dark amethyst-purple flowers that appear in mid-summer and you get a hosta that will have even the savviest gardener gasping in awe. Like most hostas, 'Raspberry Sundae' is low maintenance, requiring a site in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soil. Terra Nova Nurseries (the company that bred this plant) worked for many years perfecting the combination of variegation and red pigmentation in the foliage. This beauty was new in 2011, so keep your eyes peeled for it next year at your local nursery.
This hosta is not yet in the Hosta Registry, and the breeder's plant description does not give its leaf size. The clump size (9 x 21 in.) suggests that it is probably not a miniature hosta, but it is certainly a striking plant.
The photo shown here is from the Terra Nova Nurseries website and is the same one that appeared in FINE GARDENING.
I wonder if there are miniature hostas that have red or purple coloration of their leaf bases, leaf stalks, and flower stems. Perhaps some reader of this post will leave a comment to share their knowledge on that question.
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