Beautiful coloring sets the 'Cameo' hosta apart. Green leaf centers transition to white margins, with a third gray-green color forming at the feathered edge where green and white overlap. In summer, dark purple buds open to lavender flowers.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Cameo'

Common Name: Cameo Hosta

Garden Size: 4-6 inches tall by 12 inches wide; scape height 13 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Tiny, broad, heart-shaped leaves with green centers and creamy white margins, with a greenish-gray area where the two colors overlap. The margins are yellow on new growth and mature to their final white color.

Flowers: Clusters of flowers grow on scapes above the foliage. Deep purple buds mature into tube-shaped lavender flowers. Blooms early 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: V-4b (Miniature Leaved, White Margined, Green to Blue Center)

Parentage: Sport of H. 'Baby Bunting'