Hosta 'Island Breeze'

Hosta 'Island Breeze': Sunny Yellow Leaves on Red Stems

Bright yellow leaves with green edges and red stems, like a tropical drink with the little umbrella still in it. 'Island Breeze' brings the all-inclusive resort to your shade garden. NO PASSPORT REQUIRED.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hosta 'Island Breeze'
• Common Name: Plantain lily, hosta
• Height: 30 cm (12 in) foliage, with flower stems to about 71 cm (28 in)
• Spread: 45 cm (18 in)
• Flowers: Dark lavender-purple
• Bloom Time: Midsummer (July to August)
• Foliage: Bright yellow leaves with green margins and red stems in spring; centres turn chartreuse in full shade
• Features: Hosta of the Year 2022
• Plant Patent: USPP 27,151

Where to Plant: It's small enough for the front of a border, a rock garden edge or a container on a shaded step. Plant several along a path for a bright ribbon of yellow.

Companion Plants: Heuchera 'Autumn Bride' sits just behind this compact 30 cm hosta, sending up white flowers from August to October as the hosta's lavender blooms fade. Mertensia virginica fills the early season with blue bells in April and May. At the back, Astilbe 'Amethyst' rises to 100 cm with purple plumes in June and July, a fine, feathery contrast to the hosta's bold leaves. The three cover spring through fall in one shady spot.

Plant Care: Plant it in rich, moist, well-drained soil with compost. Some morning sun keeps the yellow at its brightest. Avoid hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. Water during dry spells, especially while it settles in. Deer, rabbits and slugs all like hostas, so watch for damage. Cut the flower stems after bloom and clear the foliage after a hard frost. Divide in spring if you want more plants.

History: Hans Hansen and Ariel Diaz found 'Island Breeze' in a greenhouse at Walters Gardens in Michigan as a tissue culture sport of Hosta 'Fire Island', and it was registered in 2014 and patented in 2016. The American Hosta Growers Association named it Hosta of the Year in 2022.

Final Thoughts: Hummingbirds treat the purple flowers like a swim-up bar. Plant it, pour yourself something cold and CALL IT A VACATION.