Fire Island - Hosta

Hosta ‘Fire Island’ makes a compact mound of leaves that emerge bright yellow on red petioles, then deepen toward chartreuse. It grows about 14–15 inches high and 30–34 inches wide, with pale lavender flowers in summer ([RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/210814/hosta-fire-island/details), [Chicago Botanic Garden profile](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/hosta-fire-island-fire-island-hosta), [Iowa State cultivar table](https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/hosta-types-and-cultivars-iowa)). ## Foliage and flowers The changing foliage color and red stems create a bright accent in shade, while tubular purple blooms rise above the leaves in mid to late summer. Hosta ‘Fire Island’ is grown primarily for its foliage and tidy habit ([Chicago Botanic Garden profile](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/hosta-fire-island-fire-island-hosta)). ## Growing conditions Plant it in partial or full shade in moist, well-drained soil. Use it near the front or middle of a shaded border, in a woodland planting, or as ground cover beneath taller shade plants. Allow enough space for the clump to broaden without crowding neighboring plants. ## Maintenance Keep the soil evenly moist during dry spells and remove yellowed leaves as the plant enters dormancy. Divide an established clump in late summer or early spring when needed, and check new foliage for slug or snail damage.