Cheekily named for the distinctive thin white strip dividing the dark green leaf margins from the chartreuse centers. This unusual pattern resembles a smaller, white-outlined leaf within each leaf. The namesake white strip is more common in more mature plants.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Striptease'

Common Name: Striptease Hosta

Garden Size: 20 inches tall by 36-51 inches wide; scape height 24-30 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Broad, pointed ovate leaves with wide, dark green margins and narrow chartreuse centers, with a thin, irregular, white line separating the center and margin. This white color appears more commonly on more mature plants.

Flowers: Pale lavender, tube-shaped flowers 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: IV-6a (Small Leaved; Green or Blue Margined; Yellow, White, or Chartreuse Center)

Parentage: Sport of H. ‘Gold Standard’

Notes: Originator of many other hosta sports, including the very similar H. 'Snake Eyes'

AHGA Hosta of the Year 2005