Tea at Betty's is a glossy green hosta with rippled yellow edges for a little touch of pizzazz. The borders grow wider and paler as the season goes on, increasing in contrast with the green leaves. Fragrant, lavender flowers bloom on tall stems in summer.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Tea at Betty's'

Common Name: Tea at Betty's Hosta

Garden Size: 9 inches tall by 26 inches wide; scape height 22-28 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Small, pointed, green leaves with highly rippled, pale yellow margins. As the season goes on, the margins grow wider and more distinct.

Flowers: Fragrant, pale lavender, tube-shaped 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: IV-5b (Small Leaved, Yellow Margined, Green to Blue Center)

Parentage: Sport of H. 'Rippled Honey'