Hosta 'Old Glory'

Hosta 'Old Glory': A Luminous Standard in the Shade

Brilliant and bold, Hosta 'Old Glory' radiates warmth with its golden-yellow leaves edged in dark green. The heart-shaped foliage is thick and slightly corrugated, offering both visual appeal and resistance to pests. As the season progresses, its colour intensifies, creating a glowing focal point in the shade. Lavender flowers bloom on sturdy scapes in midsummer, complementing the vibrant foliage with a gentle contrast.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–50 cm
• Spread: 90–100 cm, forming a broad, upright mound
• Flower Colour: Lavender
• Flowering Period: Midsummer
• Foliage: Bright golden-yellow centres with dark green margins; slightly wavy and moderately corrugated
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade; tolerates morning sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, organically enriched soil

Uses and Benefits: Hosta 'Old Glory' brings vibrant colour and reliable structure to borders, foundation plantings, and woodland gardens. Its striking variegation brightens shady spaces and works especially well as a focal point in mixed hosta groupings. With its strong leaf substance and neat growth habit, it’s a dependable performer and a standout in both traditional and contemporary designs.

Companion Plants: Combine Hosta 'Old Glory' with Heuchera 'Paris', whose coral-pink flowers and frosted green leaves provide gentle contrast. Add Dryopteris 'Eastern Wood Fern' for textural depth and woodland elegance. Finish with Carex 'Ice Dance', a graceful grass with variegated blades that echo the hosta’s bicolour foliage and provide year-round presence.

Care Instructions: Plant in partial shade with moist, fertile soil and good drainage. Allow some morning sun to enhance foliage colour, but protect from harsh afternoon rays. Water consistently during dry periods. Clean up old foliage in early spring and divide every 4–5 years to maintain vigour.

History: Hosta 'Old Glory' is a sport of 'Paul's Glory', selected for its richer gold centre and improved margin contrast. It has earned accolades for its bold colour and garden reliability, making it a favourite among collectors and designers alike.

Final Thoughts: Bright and full of character, Hosta 'Old Glory' brings light and structure to shady garden spaces—an enduring favourite for its golden glow and elegant performance.