Hosta 'Liberty'
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Hosta 'Liberty': Wide Gold Borders That Light Dark Corners
Matte green centres with wide, wavy gold borders that mellow to cream over the season. 'Liberty' settles into the shade like somebody who just quit a bad job and has NEVER FELT BETTER.
Plant Characteristics:
- Botanical Name: Hosta 'Liberty'
- Common Name: Plantain Lily, Hosta
- Height: 40â45 cm (16â18 in)
- Spread: 75â90 cm (29â35 in)
- Flowers: Lavender bells on tall scapes
- Bloom Time: Early to midsummer (June to July)
- Foliage: Thick, matte green leaves with a wide, irregular golden-yellow margin that matures to cream
- Features: Good slug resistance, 2012 Hosta of the Year
Where to Plant: Its bold variegation makes it a natural focal point in a shade border, along a woodland path or in a foundation bed on the north side of the house. It also holds its own in a large container, and its bright edges light up dark corners under trees.
Companion Plants: Plant 'Liberty' in a moist, shady bed with coral lungwort, pink heucherella and arching pink astilbe. Pulmonaria 'Shrimps on the Barbie' opens coral-pink flowers at 20 to 25 cm in April and May. Heucherella 'Pink Fizz' adds pink flower clusters at 15 to 20 cm in June and July. Astilbe 'Bressingham Beauty' brings long, arching pink plumes at 90 to 100 cm in July and August. Hakonechloa 'All Gold' edges the bed at 23 to 36 cm with bright gold blades.
Plant Care: Plant in part sun to full shade, in moist, rich, well-drained soil. Add compost at planting and mulch to hold moisture. Water deeply in its first season and during dry spells. Morning sun is welcome; harsh afternoon sun can scorch the margins. It grows slowly at first, as many thick-leaved hostas do, then settles into a broad clump. Cut the flower stems after bloom and clear the leaves after a hard frost. Divide in spring if needed. Deer and rabbits still like hostas, so protect it where they visit.
History: 'Liberty' is a sport of the classic hosta 'Sagae', which explains its thick leaves and upright, vase-like habit, and it is credited to L. Machen and was introduced by PlantHaven. The American Hosta Growers Association named it Hosta of the Year for 2012.
Final Thoughts: Good slug resistance, little upkeep and that big gold frame. FREEDOM LOOKS GOOD ON YOUR SHADE GARDEN.