Add a little tropical color to your garden with the 'Fantasy Island' hosta. Its broad, green leaves have creamy yellow centers, streaked with lighter green where the colors meet. Its small size makes it great for the front row of a shady border.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Fantasy Island'

Common Name: Fantasy Island Hosta

Garden Size: 7-10 inches tall by 12-20 inches wide; scape height 16-18 inches

Growth Rate: Fast

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Small, oval-shaped leaves that taper to a point. Leaves have deep green margins and creamy yellow to chartreuse centers. The transition between colors has a streaked or brushed appearance. This hosta is relatively sun tolerant and multiplies vigorously.

Flowers: Lavender, tube-shaped flowers that grow on scapes above the foliage. Blooms 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: IV-6a (Small Leaved; Green or Blue Margined; Yellow, White, or Chartreuse Center)

Parentage: Sport of H. 'Island Charm'