Emerald Charger's medium to dark green leaves feature very wide margins with a few streaks of ivory to yellow decorating the center of each leaf. A sport of H. 'Stained Glass', the two share similar coloring but in almost opposite proportions. Emerald Charger inherits its parents fragrant flowers, which rise from the foliage on tall, green scapes in mid to late summer.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Emerald Charger'

Common Name: Emerald Charger Hosta

Garden Size: 20 inches tall by 45 inches wide; scape height 24-36 inches

Growth Rate: Fast

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Medium-sized, oval-shaped leaves with wide, medium green margins and narrow, creamy white to gold centers. The variegation usually takes the form of several streaks of lighter color at the leaf's center. The leaves are moderately wavy and the tips twist slightly.

Flowers: 3-inch-long, fragrant, tube-shaped, pale lavender flowers that grow on scapes above the foliage. Blooms 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-6a (Medium Leaved; Green or Blue Margined; Yellow, White, or Chartreuse Center)

Parentage: Sport of H. 'Stained Glass'