Hosta 'Magic Island'

Hosta 'Magic Island': Enchanted Colour in a Compact Form

Vibrant and full of contrast, Hosta 'Magic Island' glows in the shade with brilliant yellow centres framed by wide, blue-green margins. As the season progresses, the centre lightens to creamy gold while the margins deepen in intensity, creating a painterly effect. Compact and symmetrical, this tidy clump produces pale lavender flowers on short scapes in midsummer.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 25–30 cm
• Spread: 45–55 cm, forming a low, mounded clump
• Flower Colour: Pale lavender
• Flowering Period: Midsummer
• Foliage: Golden-yellow centres with wide, blue-green margins; lightly cupped and smooth in texture
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade; tolerates morning sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, organically enriched soil

Uses and Benefits: Hosta 'Magic Island' is a vivid accent for shade gardens, containers, and mixed hosta groupings. Its bold colouring adds luminosity to darker plantings, and its petite size makes it ideal for the front of borders or narrow beds. Consistent form, strong leaf substance, and season-long visual interest make this hosta a reliable standout in smaller garden spaces.

Companion Plants: Pair Hosta 'Magic Island' with Tiarella 'Spring Symphony', whose delicate foliage and airy blooms complement the hosta’s bold leaves. Add Athyrium 'Burgundy Lace' for fine, wine-toned fronds that offer subtle contrast and textural grace. Finish with Carex 'Gold Fountains', a softly arching grass that echoes the hosta’s golden hues and adds gentle movement to the planting.

Care Instructions: Grow in partial shade with moist, rich, well-drained soil. Provide regular watering during dry periods to support lush foliage. Remove dead leaves in early spring and divide every 3–4 years to refresh and maintain a tidy form.

History: Hosta 'Magic Island' is a sport of 'Island Charm', selected for its brighter centre and improved vigour. Its refined variegation, compact habit, and strong seasonal performance have made it a favourite among collectors of smaller, high-contrast hostas.

Final Thoughts: With its brilliant foliage and compact form, Hosta 'Magic Island' casts a golden glow that lights up shady spaces—an enchanting choice for gardens large or small.