This dome of broad, shield-shaped green leaves with rippling, bright chartreuse edges will add reliable visual interest to your shade garden. Lavender flowers on tall scapes crown the foliage in summer.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Spartacus'

Common Name: Spartacus Hosta

Garden Size: 17-26 inches tall by 36-51 inches wide; scape height 36-39 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 that have green centers and rippled margins that are chartreuse in spring and change to pale gold in summer. The border between colors has a brushed or feathered appearance. The leaves are deeply veined and are sometimes slightly corrugated when mature.

Flowers: Pale lavender, tube-shaped flowers that grow on arching scapes above the foliage. Blooms early to 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: II-5b (Large Leaved, Yellow Margined, Green to Blue Center)

Parentage: Sport of H. ‘Sea Gulf Stream’