'El Niño' forms an attractive, symmetrical, blue and ivory mound. Its tapering, palm-sized leaves in frosty blue-green are bordered by narrow, creamy edges. Topped in summer with lavender flowers on tall stems, the sturdy foliage is resistant to slugs.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'El Niño' PP 14632

Common Name: El Niño Hosta

Garden Size: 14-20 inches tall by 30-40 inches wide; scape height 24 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Tapering, heart-shaped leaves with blue-green centers and narrow, creamy yellow edges that brighten to white as they mature. The thick foliage has a slightly chalky, matte appearance and is resistant to slugs.

Flowers: Lavender, bell-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-4b (Medium Leaved, White Margined, Green to Blue Center)

Parentage: Hybrid of H. 'Halcyon'