This hosta's folded and upturned leaves have very dark green margins and green-veined white centers, which can darken to yellow or even green as they mature. The mound of skyward pointing leaves resembles a nest of baby chicks with wide open beaks.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Whirlwind'

Common Name: Whirlwind Hosta

Garden Size: 20 inches tall by 40 inches wide; scape height 25-30 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 leaves with wide, dark green margins and white centers threaded with green veining. Depending on heat and sun exposure, the white center can darken to yellow, chartreuse, or green. The slightly glossy leaves are folded, corrugated, and upturned.

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-6a (Medium Leaved; Green or Blue Margined; Yellow, White, or Chartreuse Center)

Parentage: Unknown