Scientific Name: Hosta 'Liberty'

Common Name: Liberty Hosta

Garden Size: 26-40 inches tall by 40 inches wide; scape height 32-40 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Broad, heart-shaped, blue-green leaves with extra wide yellow margins that mature to creamy white. The transition between colors is dramatically streaked, with a tufted or feathered appearance. Compared with its parent H. 'Sagae', the 'Liberty' hosta has thicker, more slug resistant leaves and wider margins.

Flowers: 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: I-5b (Giant Leaved, Yellow Margined, Green to Blue Center)

Parentage: Sport of H. 'Sagae'

Notes: Awarded AHGA Hosta of the Year 2012