'Silk Road's broad, heart-shaped leaves feature extra-wide, creamy yellow margins and dark green centers. With wavy edges and slightly twisted leaf tips, there's plenty to draw the eye to this striking sport of H. 'Silk Kimono'.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Silk Road' PP 19835

Common Name: Silk Road Hosta

Garden Size: 13 inches tall by 32 inches wide; scape height 35 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Large, heart-shaped leaves with dark green centers and wide, creamy yellow to ivory margins. The transition between colors has a feathered or tufted appearance. The leaves have wavy edges and slightly twisted tips, and are held horizontally on upright petioles.

Flowers: Pale lavender flowers that grow on scapes above the foliage. Blooms mid 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: Unregistered

Parentage: Sport of H. 'Silk Kimono'