Hosta 'Minuteman'

Hosta 'Minuteman': Dark Green Dressed in Crisp White

Dark green centres with wide, bright white edges, crisp enough to snap to attention. 'Minuteman' is ready for duty at a moment's notice and LOOKS SHARP DOING IT.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hosta 'Minuteman'
• Common Name: Plantain Lily, Hosta
• Height: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
• Spread: 60–75 cm (24–30 in)
• Flowers: Pale lavender bells on scapes above the foliage
• Bloom Time: Early to midsummer (June to July)
• Foliage: Dark green leaves with wide, pure white margins; slightly wavy and sometimes cupped
• Features: Some slug resistance

Where to Plant: Repeat it along a shady path, use it to edge a woodland bed, or plant it in a container by a north-facing door. The white margins show up well at dusk, so it's a good choice near a patio you use in the evening.

Companion Plants: Plant crisp 'Minuteman' in a moist, shady bed with pale blue lungwort, orange heuchera and dark bugbane. Pulmonaria 'Moonshine' opens pale blue bells at 20 to 25 cm in April and May over silvery leaves. Heuchera 'Marmalade' adds orange to amber foliage at 25 to 30 cm. Cimicifuga 'Brunette' rises behind at 120 to 150 cm with dark leaves and fragrant spikes from August to October. Carex 'Bowles Golden' brings bright gold blades at 60 to 90 cm.

Plant Care: Plant in part sun to full shade, in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Add compost at planting and mulch to keep the roots cool. Water deeply through its first season and during dry spells. Shelter it from hot afternoon sun, which can brown the white edges. Cut the flower stems after bloom and remove the leaves after a hard frost. Divide in spring or early fall to make more plants. Deer and rabbits do eat hostas, so protect it if they visit.

History: John Machen Jr. of Virginia registered 'Minuteman' in 1994 after it arose as a sport of the classic white-edged hosta 'Francee' at Mobjack Nursery, the same source as the similar 'Patriot'. It is usually described as having a whiter margin and a darker green centre than 'Patriot'.

Final Thoughts: High contrast, easy care, and it lights up a dark bed in about, well, A MINUTE.