The ‘Hope Springs Eternal’ Hosta is a popular perennial plant known for its heart-shaped blue leaves with distinct creamy white, ruffled edges. It is a low-maintenance, easy-to-grow plant that thrives in shady garden areas and attracts hummingbirds.
Description and Specifications
- Foliage: The thick, heart-shaped leaves are blue in the center when they emerge in spring, transitioning to blue-green as they mature, and feature wide, ruffled, creamy white margins.
- Flowers: The plant produces delicate, near-white flowers on tall scapes (stalks) in mid-summer, which can rise to heights of up to 4 feet (47 inches) above the foliage.
- Mature Size: It reaches a height of approximately 20-22 inches and a width of 45-48 inches.
- Hardiness Zone: This Hosta is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9.
- Attracts: The flowers attract hummingbirds.
Care and Maintenance
- Light Requirements: It performs best in full to part shade; morning sun is tolerable and can intensify leaf color, but hot afternoon sun should be avoided to prevent scorching.
- Soil and Watering: It thrives in moist, well-drained, organically enriched soil. Once established, it has average water needs, but the soil should not be allowed to completely dry out.
- Fertilizing: A spring application of a slow-release or organic fertilizer is recommended.
- Winter Care: Clean away the dead foliage after the first frost to help prevent insect problems. A layer of mulch can be applied around the base to protect the crown in colder climates.
- Pests: Slugs and snails can be an issue for hostas. Using slug bait or traps is recommended if holes in the leaves are observed.
