Hosta 'Party Streamers'

Hosta 'Party Streamers': Golden Ribbons for a Shady Party

Long, skinny, wavy gold leaves spilling out like somebody already set off the confetti cannon. 'Party Streamers' fills in fast, and when the striped purple flowers arrive, THE BIRTHDAY HAS OFFICIALLY STARTED.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hosta 'Party Streamers'
• Common Name: Plantain Lily, Hosta
• Height: 30 cm (12 in)
• Spread: 75–80 cm (30–31 in)
• Flowers: Deep purple with darker stripes, on burgundy scapes 75–90 cm (29–36 in) tall
• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (July to August)
• Foliage: Long, narrow, lance-shaped golden-yellow leaves with wavy edges
• Features: Fine texture, fills in quickly
• Plant Patent: USPP 33,277

Where to Plant: Use it where you want texture and colour at the front of a shade bed, along a path or spilling from a container. Planted in a group as a groundcover under trees, it fills in quickly as a bright, rippling carpet.

Companion Plants: Astilbe 'Cappuccino' carries white plumes at 60 to 75 cm in June and July. Hakonechloa macra adds a soft, arching grass at 30 to 45 cm, a fine contrast to the rippled hosta leaves. Brunnera macrophylla brings blue flowers in April and May, before the hosta is up. All three grow in shade to partial sun.

Plant Care: Plant in part sun to full shade, in moist, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Morning sun keeps the yellow bright; avoid hot afternoon sun. Water regularly in its first season and during dry spells. Cut flower stems after bloom if you like and clear the leaves after a hard frost. Divide in spring if the clump gets crowded. Deer and rabbits like hostas, so protect it where they visit.

History: Hans Hansen bred 'Party Streamers' at Walters Gardens in Michigan, and it was registered in 2019. Its parents include 'Atom Smasher' and a cross involving the ruffled gold hosta 'Curly Fries', which helps explain the narrow, wavy yellow leaves.

Final Thoughts: Plant a few along a shady path for a permanent celebration. No cleanup crew required. NOBODY HAS TO BLOW UP BALLOONS.