Scientific Name: Hosta 'Velvet Moon'

Common Name: Velvet Moon Hosta

Garden Size: 16-18 inches tall by 23-38 inches wide; scape height 25-26 inches

Growth Rate: Fast

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Heart-shaped to oblong leaves with dark green centers and wide, chartreuse to yellow margins. The border between center and margin is tufted in shape but very crisp. Leaves are deeply veined and sometimes slightly corrugated when mature, and have a matte top surface.

Flowers: 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: III-5b (Medium Leaved, Yellow Margined, Green to Blue Center)

Parentage: Sport of H. 'Abiqua Moonbeam'