Hosta 'First Frost'

Hosta 'First Frost': Frosted Elegance Through the Seasons

Cool, composed, and consistently beautiful, Hosta 'First Frost' is a dependable standout with frosty blue leaves edged in creamy yellow that matures to white. Its foliage remains attractive well into autumn, living up to its name with a fresh appearance even as the first frost touches the garden. Upright and tidy, it lends polish and colour contrast to shaded beds and borders.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 35–45 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm, forming a neat, upright mound
• Flower Colour: Lavender
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer
• Foliage: Blue-green leaves with wide yellow margins that age to creamy white; thick and slightly wavy
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Uses and Benefits: Hosta 'First Frost' brings season-long structure and luminous contrast to shady gardens. Its crisp variegation stands out in mass plantings or as a specimen along pathways, under trees, or in containers. With excellent foliage substance and strong garden performance, it pairs beautifully with a wide range of woodland plants and remains showy into the late season.

Companion Plants: Pair Hosta 'First Frost' with Athyrium 'Ghost', whose silvery fronds echo the hosta’s frosted tones while adding height and texture. Add Brunnera 'Jack Frost' for its heart-shaped silver leaves and springtime sky-blue blooms. Finish with Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola', a golden ornamental grass that contrasts beautifully with the hosta’s blue foliage and brings soft motion to the planting.

Care Instructions: Plant in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soil. Morning sun enhances colour, but hot afternoon sun should be avoided. Water regularly in dry weather and mulch to retain moisture. Cut back foliage in early spring before new growth emerges. Divide every 4–5 years to refresh clumps.

History: Hosta 'First Frost' is a sport of ‘Halcyon’, introduced by Walters Gardens. It has earned multiple accolades, including Hosta of the Year in 2010, for its reliable performance, lasting foliage quality, and elegant variegation.

Final Thoughts: With its enduring beauty and cool poise, Hosta 'First Frost' is a timeless presence in the shade. A graceful blend of form and function, it brings refined structure and shimmering light to gardens from spring’s first flush to autumn’s final breath.