Hosta 'Cherry Berry' is a compact clump forming hosta prized for its creamy white leaves edged in bright green and streaked with red toned petioles that rise up to purple flower spikes. Its vibrant foliage and colorful stems make it especially appealing in shaded containers, small borders, and along woodland paths where color contrast is essential in low light conditions.
Height & Spread: 10 - 15 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, rich soil with good drainage
Watering Needs: Moderate; consistent moisture during active growth
Deer Resistance: Often browsed by deer; protect if pressure is high
Native Status
Hosta 'Cherry Berry' is a cultivated variety of Hosta, originally derived from Asian species such as Hosta ventricosa and Hosta sieboldiana. It is not native to North America but is widely grown in shade gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Attracts bumblebees and honeybees with its tubular lavender flowers especially during late summer when fewer blooms are available.
Hummingbirds
- The tall flower spikes are visited by Ruby Throated Hummingbirds in search of nectar during their late summer foraging.
Beneficial Insects
- Provides habitat for predatory beetles and ground dwelling pollinators that take cover under the dense foliage.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 18 - 24 in apart to allow for mature clump expansion and adequate airflow in shaded locations.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for shade borders, small garden beds, or container plantings where its colorful stems and leaves can be easily appreciated.
Companion Plants
- Polygonatum humile (Dwarf Solomons Seal) - Provides graceful arching structure and textural contrast in woodland compositions.
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' - Bright silver leaves contrast well with the green and cream variegation of 'Cherry Berry'.
- Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - Delicate white flowers and lobed leaves fill in gaps between hosta clumps in shade.
- Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade' - Adds vibrant lime tones and mounded habit that complement the hosta’s upright foliage.
- Carex pensylvanica - A fine textured sedge that spreads gently between hostas to unify shaded groundcover plantings.