Hosta 'Sun Power'

Hosta 'Sun Power': Wavy Gold That Lights a Dark Corner

Bright gold, wavy leaves with a little twist at the tip, like a curtsy. 'Sun Power' is basically a solar panel for the shade garden, and IT DOESN'T EVEN NEED A REBATE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hosta 'Sun Power'
• Common Name: Plantain Lily, Hosta
• Height: 60–70 cm (24–28 in) foliage, with flower stems to about 90 cm (3 ft)
• Spread: 120–180 cm (4–6 ft)
• Flowers: Pale lavender, on tall, slightly arching stems
• Bloom Time: Midsummer (July)
• Foliage: Bright gold, wavy leaves with a twisted tip and good substance
• Features: Benedict Garden Performance Medal 2016

Where to Plant: Use it as a focal point or specimen in a shady border, or to brighten a dark corner under trees. Its upright shape gives height to the middle of a bed.

Companion Plants: Plant gold 'Sun Power' in a moist, shady bed with pink epimedium, grape heuchera and orange ligularia. Epimedium 'Roseum' opens dusky pink flowers at 20 to 30 cm in April and May. Heuchera 'Grape Soda' adds grape-purple foliage at 20 to 25 cm. Ligularia 'Britt-Marie Crawford' brings dark leaves and golden-orange daisies at 90 to 120 cm in August and September. Carex rosea edges the front with a fine native sedge at 30 cm.

Plant Care: Plant in part shade with some morning sun, in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Morning light keeps the gold bright, while shade from the hot afternoon sun prevents scorch. Water deeply during dry spells, especially in its first summer. Deer and rabbits will eat hostas, so use a repellent or fencing if they visit. Watch for slugs in wet weather. Cut back the flower stems after bloom and clean up the foliage after a hard frost. Divide in spring if it outgrows its spot.

History: 'Sun Power' was registered in 1986 by Paul Aden of New York, though the American Hosta Society notes that its actual originator is unknown. It became popular soon after its mid-1980s introduction and won the Benedict Garden Performance Medal in 2016.

Final Thoughts: Easy care and a big golden glow. Plant it in a gloomy corner and cancel the electrician. THE POWER IS ON.