'Earth Angel' forms a lovely mound of slightly domed, lilypad-like leaves. Their painterly color scheme features blue-green centers that transition to creamy yellow edges with a brushed border. White flowers on graceful stems adorn the foliage in summer.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Earth Angel'

Common Name: Earth Angel Hosta

Garden Size: 24-36 inches tall by 36-60 inches wide; scape height 36 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Large, heart-shaped leaves with blue-green centers and yellow-green margins that mature to creamy white later in the season. The transition between colors has a tufted or feathered appearance, with a blue-gray color appearing where the center and margin colors overlap.

Flowers: Pale lavender to pure white, tube-shaped 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: II-4b (Large Leaved, White Margined, Green to Blue Center)

Parentage: Sport of H. 'Blue Angel'

Note: AHGA Hosta of the Year 2009