Forming a vibrant clump of teardrop-shaped leaves, 'Gold Standard' is a great candidate for the golden-green note in your shade garden's palette. Thin, dark green edges outline chartreuse to pale gold leaves, topped with pale lavender flowers in summer.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Gold Standard'

Common Name: Gold Standard Hosta

Garden Size: 15-22 inches tall by 36-59 inches wide; scape height 30-42 inches

Growth Rate: Fast

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Large, ovate leaves with narrow, blue-green margins bordering a chartreuse center that matures to pale gold with sun exposure. Mature leaves may develop a corrugated texture and be slightly cupped.

Flowers: Pale lavender, 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: III-6a (Medium Leaved; Green or Blue Margined; Yellow, White, or Chartreuse Center)

Parentage: Sport of H. 'Fortunei Hyacinthina'