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Plant Brief

Hosta
'Magic Fire'
from Jan van den Top

Introduced 2006

This large variety has a magnificent presence, each leaf patterned with a dramatic flame-shaped green centre set off against a gold background, which fades gradualy to cream. Pale lavender flowers. Mutation of H. 'Sagae'.

Height: 20"/50cm
Spread: 22"/ 55cm
Hardiness: US zones 3-8
Blooms: June-July
Leaf size: 10x5"/25x12cm

Common name:
Funkia / Plantain Lily

Patent status:

USA: PPAF, Europe: PBR.AF, Canada: PBR.AF

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Magic Fire

06-10-2005 14:36 This is what happens when a H. 'Sagae' spontaneously combusts!

By Miriam Young

Hosta 'Magic Fire' was discovered by Jan van den Top in 1997 among a crop of H. 'Sagae' he was growing.

Aparently a mutation of this popular variety, it carries many similar characteristics, such as the heavy leaf substance and the vase-shaped habit.

Hosta 'Sagae' - the parent

But whereas 'Sagae' has narrow cream-gold leaf margins around its blue-green centres, 'Magic Fire' has dramatic broad edges that form the centres into flame-shaped markings. Hence Jan's inspiration for the name.

As 'Magic Fire's flames emerge in the spring, its leaf edges are bright gold. This colour gradually fades to cream through the season, though the speed at which it changes may be effected by light levels. One to experiment with!

Hosta 'Magic Fire' later in the season, with margins faded from god to cream.

The Breeder

Jan van den Top
By Miriam Young
Following a dream led Jan van den Top to become first breeder of Hosta and Heuchera in The Netherlands.

The Story Behind the Plant

Magic Fire
By Miriam Young
This is what happens when a H. 'Sagae' spontaneously combusts!

Growing advice

All you need to know
By Miriam Young

Keeping that Magic Fire burning bright.

Forum

General discussion on Hosta 'Magic Fire'

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