Common Name: 'First Frost' Hosta

Garden Size: 14-16 inches tall by 36 inches wide; scape height 22-30 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Heart-shaped leaves with blue-green centers and yellow margins that mature to creamy white. The transition between colors has a feathered or tufted appearance, and the leaves have smooth or gently undulating edges.

Flowers: Pale lavender, tube-shaped flowers that grow on scapes above the foliage. Blooms mid to late summer.

Plant Origin: East Asia, primarily Japan and Korea. Most commercially available hostas are hybrids.

Wildlife Support: Hummingbirds and some bees enjoy the flowers. A favorite treat for our local deer.

Fertilizing: Apply compost in early spring before new growth emerges.

Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks to encourage new growth; trim back damaged or yellowing leaves as needed. Leave the leaves over the winter and wait until early spring to clean up.

ASPCA Toxicity flags (see their site for details): Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Uses: Ideal for shade gardens, woodland borders, and container plantings.

AHS Classification: III-8(5b-4b) (Medium Leaved, Other: Yellow Margined, Green to Blue Center to White Margined, Green to Blue Center)

Parentage: Sport of H. 'Halycon'

Notes: AHGA Hosta of the Year 2010