Hosta 'First Frost' - Plantain Lily"

The 'First Frost' Hosta is a true highlight for shaded areas. A sport of the famous 'Halcyon', it inherits its exceptional hardiness and waxy texture while adding a spectacular contrasting border. Its blue-green leaves, edged in a yellow margin that matures to pure white as the season progresses, remain pristine until the first autumn frosts. It is a reliable structural plant that brings constant brightness to the darkest corners of the garden.

Characteristics

• Foliage: Heart-shaped leaves with an intense blue-green centre, surrounded by a wide yellow margin that matures to creamy white.
• Flowering / Fruit / Stems: Produces flower scapes bearing pale lavender bell-shaped flowers in mid-summer.
• Light: Prefers partial shade to full shade.
• Habit: Forms a compact and symmetrical mound, very tidy in appearance.
• Growth: Medium growth rate. Reaches approximately 40 cm (16 inches) in height.
• Soil: Thrives in humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil.
• Temperature: Very hardy (Zone 3), it easily withstands harsh winters.
• Resistances: Thanks to its thick foliage, it offers excellent slug resistance.

Use

• Types of use: Ideal for mass plantings, flower bed borders, or as a specimen in a shade garden.
• Decorative advantages: Creates a striking colour contrast when planted near solid green or purple foliage plants.

Maintenance

• Watering: Requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilization: An application of compost in the spring or a balanced fertilizer is sufficient to support its growth.
• Pruning: Clean up spent foliage in late fall or early spring before new shoots emerge.
• Planting: Provide enough space for its mature spread to ensure proper air circulation.
• Winter Protection: A layer of mulch helps protect the roots during freeze-thaw cycles.