'Guacamole' is sure to charm with its bright avocado coloring and sweet-scented flowers. Heart-shaped leaves turn from chartreuse to gold with sun exposure, of which 'Guacamole' is relatively tolerant. Fragrant white flowers emerge in mid to late summer.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Guacamole'

Common Name: Guacamole Hosta

Garden Size: 18-24 inches tall by 24-50 inches wide; scape height 30-38 inches

Growth Rate: Fast

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Large leaves with dark green margins and yellow-green centers that lighten to gold with sun exposure - the colors of a ripe avocado. The leaves are glossy and heart-shaped with prominent veins. This hosta is relatively sun tolerant.

Flowers: Fragrant, tube-shaped, pale lavender to near white 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: AHGA Hosta of the Year 2002