You may not find gold at the rainbow's end, but this shiny green and gold hosta might be the next best thing. Streaks of yellow jet through its glossy, dark green leaves. In summer long, red stems supporting lavender flowers add to the colorful spectacle.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Rainbow's End' PP 17251

Common Name: Rainbow's End Hosta

Garden Size: 11 inches tall by 21 inches wide; scape height 16-20 inches

Growth Rate: Slow

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Thick, glossy leaves with round bases that taper to points. The dark green leaves are streaked with yellow variegation that emerges from the base of the leaf. Compared to many hostas with center-and-margin variegation, this hosta's center color is more irregular and divided into several streaks of gold per leaf. The yellow color lightens to creamy white in summer.

Flowers: Lavender, tube-shaped flowers grow on reddish 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: IV-6a (Small Leaved; Green or Blue Margined; Yellow, White, or Chartreuse Center)

Parentage: Sport of H. 'Obsession'

Notes: AHGA Hosta of the Year 2021