Plant 'Rainforest Sunrise' to bring a beacon of sun-kissed yellow-green to your own forest floor. Cupped and crinkled chartreuse leaves develop dark green edges as they mature, and near-white flowers add elegance and interest in summer.
Scientific Name: Hosta 'Rainforest Sunrise'
Common Name: Rainforest Sunrise Hosta, also known as Hosta 'Goldmine' or Goldmine Hosta
Garden Size: 8-10 inches tall by 16-18 inches wide; scape height 18-36 inches
Growth Rate: Moderate-Fast
USDA Zone: 3-9
Exposure: Partial to full shade
Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
Habit (Form): Mounding
Foliage: Small, heart-shaped, nearly round leaves are solid yellow-green when they emerge, but develop a dark green margin as they mature. Morning sunlight encourages brighter gold coloring. The transition from center to margin has an irregular, brushed appearance. Mature leaves are cupped and heavily corrugated.
Flowers: Bell-shaped, pale lavender to white flowers that grow on 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: IV-6a (Small Leaved; Green or Blue Margined; Yellow, White, or Chartreuse Center)
Parentage: Sport of H. ‘Maui Buttercups’