Monrovia : Learn

Creating a contrast with green plants, the lovely, heart-shaped foliage is dynamic; the centers of the leaves emerge green then change to chartreuse and golden (almost white-gold with bright light) with a dark green edge. Pale lavender flowers on spikes above the foliage. Herbaceous perennial. Partial to full shade. Moderate grower to 2 to 2 1/2 feet high, 3 feet wide clumps. Division.

Performance and Requirements

Light needs: Partial to full shade

Watering Needs: Needs wet or constantly moist soil.

Pruning Time: No Value

Growth Rate: Moderate Growing

Growth Habit: Clumping

Design Information

Companion Plants

FRANCEE PLANTAIN LILY
Hosta x 'Francee'

DWARF ENGLISH LAUREL
Prunus laurocerasus 'Nana'

STOKE'S DWARF YAUPON HOLLY
Ilex vomitoria 'Stoke's Dwarf' (Male)

COMPACT OREGON GRAPE HOLLY
Mahonia aquifolium 'Compacta'

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Companion Plants (Description): Set this Hosta in front of Dwarf English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus `Nana`) and Stoke`s Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria `Stoke`s Dwarf`). Contrast with the low-growing Compact Oregon Grape Holly (Mahonia aquifolium `Compacta`) and amongst a scattering of hardy Azalea such as Casablanca Improved Azalea (Azalea `Casablanca Improved`) and Rosebud Azalea (Azalea `Rosebud`).

Design Styles: This sizable golden Hosta displays green, gold and darker emerald all at the same time. These variations are perfect for massing with only one type of plant. It also has enough height to provide a background for smaller woodland perennials or to fill in between shrubs. Also sufficiently tall to use as a cover along north-facing foundations, edges of terraces, patios and low decks, and to line steps.

Care Information

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. For a neat appearance, remove old foliage before new leaves emerge. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring.

Background Information

History: This genus was named for Dr. N. T. Host, a contemporary of Austrian Leopold Trattinick. The genus to this day contains about forty mostly native to China and Japan. Most modern hybrids such as this are derived from H. Plantaginea often influenced by H. undulata breeding This is among the first widely grown fragrant flowered hosta variety introduced in 1950.

Botanical Pronunciation: HOS-tuh HIB-rid

Catalog Description: Creating a contrast with green plants, the lovely, heart-shaped foliage is dynamic; the centers of the leaves emerge green then change to chartreuse and golden (almost white-gold with bright light) with a dark green edge. Pale lavender flowers on spikes above the foliage. Herbaceous perennial. Partial to full shade. Moderate grower to 2 to 2 1/2 feet high, 3 feet wide clumps. Division.