Hosta montana 'Aureomarginata'

Hosta montana 'Aureomarginata': Early Riser in a Gold Trim

Big, glossy, deep green leaves with deep veins and a wide gold margin, like a classic car with the chrome freshly polished. This hosta is long-lived and STILL RUNS LIKE A DREAM.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hosta montana 'Aureomarginata'
• Common Name: Plantain Lily, Hosta
• Height: 60–70 cm (24–28 in)
• Spread: 120–150 cm (4–5 ft)
• Flowers: Very pale lavender, on tall scapes above the leaves
• Bloom Time: Midsummer (July)
• Foliage: Large, glossy, deep green leaves with deeply impressed veins and a wide gold margin that fades to chartreuse
• Features: Long-lived

Where to Plant: Give it centre stage as a specimen under tall trees, the anchor of a big shade border, or the back of a woodland planting, where the gold edge carries a long way. Deer and rabbits like hostas, so plan on protection if they visit.

Companion Plants: Cimicifuga racemosa makes a tall backdrop, with white spires up to 180 cm in July and August that tower over the hosta's lavender flowers. At the front, Phlox 'Blue Moon' carpets the ground with violet flowers in April and May, before the hosta has fully unfurled. Athyrium niponicum var. pictum adds finely cut fronds at 45 cm that contrast with the hosta's big, gold-edged leaves. It's a calm, layered planting for full or part shade.

Plant Care: Plant in spring or early fall in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Work compost into clay before planting. Water deeply through the first season and during dry spells. Consistent moisture gives the biggest, best-looking leaves. Because it emerges so early, a late spring frost can nip the new shoots. Keep an old sheet or a bucket handy and cover it on cold spring nights. Morning sun is fine. Shade from the hot afternoon sun protects the gold edge from scorch. Remove the flower scapes after blooming if you prefer a tidy look. Cut back the leaves after hard frost or in early spring. It's slow to bulk up, so it seldom needs dividing. Leave it alone and let it get big.

History: Hosta montana is a large species from the mountains of Japan, and its gold-edged form was found there by the botanist Dr. Fumio Maekawa around 1940. It was registered with the American Hosta Society in 1987 and has remained one of the most admired large variegated hostas ever since.

Final Thoughts: Plant it in the shade and pass it down. It'll be around longer than the fence. HEIRLOOM QUALITY.