Hosta 'Lakeside Paisley Print'

Hosta 'Lakeside Paisley Print': Paisley Swirls You'll Want at Eye Level

Rippled, heart-shaped leaves with dark green edges and a skinny creamy centre, like a vintage scarf your aunt swore was coming back in style. 'Lakeside Paisley Print' PROVES SHE WAS RIGHT.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hosta 'Lakeside Paisley Print'
• Common Name: Plantain Lily, Hosta
• Height: 20–25 cm (8–10 in)
• Spread: 45–50 cm (18–20 in)
• Flowers: Pale lavender bells on slender scapes
• Bloom Time: Midsummer (July to August)
• Foliage: Thick, heart-shaped, rippled leaves with dark green margins and a narrow creamy white centre
• Features: Compact, 2019 Hosta of the Year

Where to Plant: Its size suits the front of a shade border, path edges, small beds and containers. Plant three or five in a row for a crisp edging, or give one a spot at eye level or along a walkway where its markings can be seen up close.

Companion Plants: Use small 'Lakeside Paisley Print' at the front of a moist, shady bed with silver brunnera, red hearts and pink astilbe. Brunnera 'Silver Heart' opens blue sprays at 30 cm in April and May over silver leaves. Dicentra Valentine® adds cherry-red hearts at 70 to 75 cm in May and June. Astilbe 'Rheinland' brings clear pink plumes at 50 to 60 cm in June and July. Liriope 'Monroe White' edges the bed at 30 to 45 cm with white spikes in August and September.

Plant Care: Plant in part sun to full shade, in moist, fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of compost. Water regularly in the first season and during dry spells. A bit of morning sun is fine; afternoon sun can burn the cream centres. Remove the flower stems after bloom if you prefer a tidy look, and clear the leaves after a hard frost. Divide in spring if the clump gets crowded. Deer and rabbits like hostas, so protect it if they visit.

History: Mary Chastain of Lakeside Acres in Tennessee hybridized 'Lakeside Paisley Print' from a cross of two unnamed seedlings and registered it in 2006. The American Hosta Growers Association named it Hosta of the Year for 2019, an award meant to highlight hostas that grow well across a wide range of gardens.

Final Thoughts: Compact enough for a pot on the step, easy enough for anybody. RETRO NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD.