The ‘Dancing Queen’ Hosta is a highly popular, large, gold-leaf hosta known for its bright yellow foliage and distinctive ruffled or “piecrust” edges. Named the 2020 Hosta of the Year by the American Hosta Growers Association, it is a low-maintenance plant that brightens up shaded garden areas.
Key Characteristics and Growing Conditions
- Foliage: The plant emerges a brilliant, satiny yellow in spring and maintains its color well throughout the season, eventually softening to a lighter butter yellow in late summer. The large, broadly ovate leaves feature prominent deep veins and attractive wavy or “pie-crust” edges.
- Size: A mature ‘Dancing Queen’ Hosta typically forms a dense foliage mound about 18-20 inches tall and spreads to approximately 30-36 inches wide.
- Flowers: Dainty spikes of pale lavender, funnel-shaped flowers rise above the foliage in mid to late summer, attracting hummingbirds.
- Hardiness Zone: It is cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9.
- Light Requirements: It performs best in partial shade to full shade, thriving in low-light conditions. Morning sun is tolerable and can help intensify the leaf color, but harsh afternoon sun should be avoided to prevent leaf burn.
- Soil Needs: It prefers slightly acidic, evenly moist, well-drained, humusy soil rich in organic matter.
Care Instructions
- Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially during the first growing season, to establish a robust root system. Once established, reduce frequency but keep the soil consistently moist.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new shoots emerge.
- Maintenance: This is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Remove old, faded foliage in early spring before new leaves appear.
- Pests: Be vigilant for slugs and snails, which can damage the leaves. Using slug bait in early spring can help manage the population.
