The 'Francheska' hosta features elegant, tapering leaves with muted blue-green centers and yellow to creamy white edges. The variegated edge continues all the way down the petiole. Unusually vivid purple flowers crown the foliage in mid to late summer.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Francheska'

Common Name: Francheska Hosta

Garden Size: 14-18 inches tall by 32 inches wide; scape height 13-18 inches

Growth Rate: Fast

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Pointed, tapered leaves with muted blue-green centers and slightly wavy yellow margins that mature to creamy white. The variegated leaf edges extend all the way down the petioles.

Flowers: Bright purple, 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: IV-5b (Small Leaved, Yellow Margined, Green to Blue Center)

Parentage: Hybrid of unnamed seedling x H. ‘Harmony’