Reminiscent of a watercolor painting, this hosta's giant leaves blend matte blue-green centers with bright chartreuse margins. The rounded, textured leaves are resistant to slugs but prefer to be protected from the sun. White flowers emerge in summer.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Frances Williams'

Common Name: Frances Williams Hosta

Garden Size: 20-36 inches tall by 36-48 inches wide; scape height 30-40 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: Enormous, nearly round leaves with a subtle heart shape. The leaves have blue-green centers and wide, yellow to chartreuse margins, with a feathered or tufted appearance where the two colors meet. The robust foliage has a corrugated texture, making it resistant to slugs. This hosta is vulnerable to sun damage and prefers to be well shaded.

Flowers: White, 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: I-5b (Giant Leaved, Yellow Margined, Green to Blue Center)

Parentage: Sport of H. 'Elegans'

Notes: Parent of many sports and progeny.