Hosta 'Earth Angel'

Hosta 'Earth Angel': A Celestial Harmony of Form and Color

Hosta 'Earth Angel', a majestic offspring of the renowned Hosta 'Blue Angel', emerges as a celestial presence in the garden, its large, heart-shaped leaves displaying a harmonious blend of blue-green centers framed by creamy white margins. Awarded as the 2009 Hosta of the Year by the American Hosta Growers Association, 'Earth Angel' elevates the shade garden to new heights with its substantial form and variegated foliage that glows ethereally in the dappled light. Ideal for creating dramatic accents in woodland settings, bordering serene garden paths, or adding a touch of angelic grace to container gardens, 'Earth Angel' thrives across a spectrum of light conditions, from the enveloping calm of full shade to the soft luminescence of morning sun, showcasing its versatility and striking beauty.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: 'Earth Angel' presents an impressive stature, reaching a foliage height of about 60-90 cm, with flower spikes that gracefully ascend to 100 cm, lending an elegant vertical element to the garden.
• Spread: It forms expansive, mounded clumps with a spread of approximately 120 cm, providing significant coverage ideal for ground cover or as a dominant feature in mixed beds.
• Foliage Colour: The leaves boast a lush, blue-green hue with creamy white margins, creating a vibrant display of variegated color that remains captivating throughout the growing season.
• Flowering Period: In early to mid-summer, 'Earth Angel' produces tall spikes of pale lavender flowers, adding a delicate contrast and attracting pollinators to the garden.
• Sunlight Requirements: This Hosta variety is highly adaptable, flourishing in full to partial shade, where its variegated foliage can truly stand out, adding a serene and cooling effect to the garden landscape.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soils but is adaptable to a range of soil conditions, as long as they are moist and well-draining, underscoring its resilience and ease of care.

Uses and Benefits: Hosta 'Earth Angel' is not merely a feast for the eyes; it's a versatile and practical addition to the garden. Its striking foliage provides an excellent backdrop for flowering plants, enhances the beauty of container arrangements with its bold texture and color, or adds a dramatic touch to borders. Beyond its ornamental value, it's known for its ability to suppress weeds with its expansive foliage cover and maintain soil moisture, making it a valuable choice for low-maintenance gardening. Additionally, its flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies, enriching the garden's biodiversity.

Companion Plants: Create a visually harmonious display by pairing 'Earth Angel' with plants that offer contrasting colors or textures. Bright greens, such as Ferns or Astilbes, or the rich hues of Coral Bells (Heuchera), can highlight its variegated foliage and create a vibrant, dynamic garden scene.

Care Instructions: Hosta 'Earth Angel' is delightfully easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance to thrive. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool. An annual application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring can encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Deadheading the spent flowers can promote a tidy appearance and focus the plant's energy on foliage production.

History: 'Earth Angel' has quickly ascended to the ranks of garden favorites, captivating gardeners and landscape designers with its angelic beauty, robust growth, and striking variegation. Its accolade as the 2009 Hosta of the Year is a testament to its exceptional qualities and appeal, making it a cherished variety among hosta enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts: Hosta 'Earth Angel' stands as a celestial harmony of form and color in the garden, offering a blend of serenity, beauty, and practicality that enhances any outdoor space. Whether used to enrich dark corners, serve as a striking focal point, or accentuate the lushness of garden borders, 'Earth Angel' ensures your garden remains a peaceful, inviting haven throughout the seasons. For those seeking a low-maintenance perennial that stands out with its dramatic form and captivating color, 'Earth Angel' is an unparalleled choice that promises to elevate the garden experience with its heavenly grace.