Your heart will be aflutter for this ripple-edged, variegated hosta. Its elongated, heart-shaped green leaves are painted with feather-like ivory patterns that stretch from petiole to leaf tip. Bouquets of white flowers complete the 'Love Story' in summer.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Love Story' PP 34224

Common Name: Love Story Hosta, Shadowland Love Story Hosta

Garden Size: 14-16 inches tall by 36-42 inches wide; scape height 22-31 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Elongated, heart-shaped leaves with green, rippled margins and creamy white centers that span from petiole to leaf tip, with streaks of chartreuse jetting out near the base of the leaf.

Flowers: White, tube-shaped flowers that grow on pale scapes above the foliage. Blooms early to 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: II-6a (Large Leaved; Green or Blue Margined; Yellow, White, or Chartreuse Center)

Parentage: Hybrid of streaked sport of H. ‘Niagara Falls x H. ‘Viking Ship’

Notes: Part of the Shadowland collection of hostas from Proven Winners.