This big, vibrant hosta will bring a pop of exuberant color to your shade garden. Giant, heart-shaped leaves feature dark green centers and bright chartreuse edges, accentuated in summer by pale lavender flowers that peer out from the lush foliage.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Climax'

Common Name: Climax Hosta

Garden Size: 24 inches tall by 48 inches wide; scape height 36 inches

Growth Rate: Most hostas have a moderate to fast growth rate.

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Large, heart-shaped, corrugated leaves with dark green centers and bright chartreuse edges. The transition between colors has a streaked or tufted appearance.

Flowers: Tube-shaped, pale lavender to near-white flowers that grow on scapes above the foliage. Blooms mid 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: I-5b (Giant Leaved, Yellow Margined, Green to Blue Center)

Parentage: Sport of H. 'High Noon'