For a hosta with crisp variegation, an even balance of green and white, and plenty of showy flowers, look no further than 'Wide Brim'. Its broad, heart-shaped, quilted leaves with extra wide, creamy gold margins hint at the texture of a woven straw hat.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Wide Brim'

Common Name: Wide Brim Hosta

Garden Size: 16-18 inches tall by 24-45 inches wide; scape height 24 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Heart-shaped, dark green leaves with wide, creamy yellow margins that brighten to creamy white with sun exposure. The transition between margin and center is irregular but crisp. Mature leaves have a quilted texture and can be slightly cupped and upturned.

Flowers: Lavender, tube-shaped flowers that grow on scapes above the foliage. The 'Wide Brim' hosta produces especially plentiful flowers on each scape. 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-8(5b-4b) (Medium Leaved(Yellow Margined, Green to Blue Center - White Margined, Green to Blue Center))

Parentage: Hybrid of H. ‘Bold One’ x H. ‘Bold Ribbons’