Hosta 'Rainforest Sunrise'

Hosta 'Rainforest Sunrise': A Jewel of Golden Light

Bright and lush, Hosta 'Rainforest Sunrise' is a compact gem with richly textured, golden-yellow leaves framed by wide, deep green margins. The cupped and corrugated foliage glows in the shade, creating the impression of sunlight filtering through a forest canopy. In early to midsummer, short scapes bear pale lavender blooms that rise just above the mound.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 20–25 cm
• Spread: 30–40 cm, forming a dense, low clump
• Flower Colour: Pale lavender
• Flowering Period: Early to midsummer
• Foliage: Thick, cupped golden leaves with wide, dark green margins; heavily corrugated and glossy
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial to full shade; tolerates morning sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, organically rich soil

Uses and Benefits: Hosta 'Rainforest Sunrise' is ideal for edging shady beds, nestling into rock gardens, or adding structure to container plantings. Its vibrant colouring and deeply corrugated texture make it a standout in small spaces. Thick foliage offers good slug resistance, and the plant’s tidy form brings polish and longevity to shade garden compositions.

Companion Plants: Pair Hosta 'Rainforest Sunrise' with Heuchera 'Timeless Treasure', whose silvery leaves and deep veining echo the hosta’s richness. Add Dryopteris 'Male Fern' for soft, arching fronds and lush woodland texture. Complete the scene with Carex 'Gold Fountains', whose flowing blades mirror the hosta’s golden glow and enhance its low, rounded form.

Care Instructions: Grow in partial to full shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Tolerates some morning sun, which enhances leaf colour. Water consistently during dry periods and mulch to maintain even moisture. Cut back dead foliage in spring and divide every 4 years to rejuvenate growth.

History: Hosta 'Rainforest Sunrise' is a sport of 'Maui Buttercups', introduced by Walters Gardens. It was named Hosta of the Year in 2013 for its exceptional colour, compact habit, and standout texture.

Final Thoughts: Like a patch of sunlight in the forest, Hosta 'Rainforest Sunrise' brings brilliance and beauty to the shade—small in stature, but rich in colour and presence.