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Growth Rate
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- Speed: Moderate grower.
- Mature Growth: Reaches 10-12 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide, forming a neat, compact clump.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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No |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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No |
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Drought Tolerant
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No |
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Deer Resistant
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No |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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- Attracts: Bees and hummingbirds are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers.
Wildlife Resistant: Somewhat resistant to deer and rabbits, though young plants may be vulnerable to browsing. |
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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- Foliage Season: Spring to fall.
- Flowering Season: Early to mid-summer (June to July).
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
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Ideal For
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- Shaded borders
- Woodland gardens
- Containers
- Ground cover
- Low-maintenance landscapes
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Leaf Description
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- Color: Dark green, heart-shaped leaves with creamy yellow margins that turn white as the season progresses.
- Form: Cup-shaped leaves with a slightly wavy edge, forming a dense, rounded mound.
- Fall Interest: Foliage remains attractive until frost, after which it dies back for winter dormancy.
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Flower Description
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- Color: Pale lavender to white bell-shaped flowers.
- Form: Graceful flower spikes rise above the foliage, adding a soft contrast to the dense mound of leaves.
- Bloom Time: Blooms in early to mid-summer, lasting a few weeks.
- Fragrance: Mildly fragrant.
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Planting Instructions
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- Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall when temperatures are cooler.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It tolerates a wide range of soil types but thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
- Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the nursery pot, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for mature spread and good airflow.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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- Timing: Prune as needed to remove dead or damaged leaves.
- Method: Trim back flower stalks after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance. In late fall, cut back the foliage to the ground as the plant enters dormancy.
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Water Needs
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- Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once established, water deeply as needed, especially during dry periods.
- Soil Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Hosta plants prefer slightly damp soil and do not tolerate drought well.
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Light Needs
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Prefers partial to full shade. Morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal, but it can tolerate full shade in hotter climates. |
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Harvesting
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Hostas are typically not harvested for culinary or ornamental cut purposes. However, you can collect seeds from the mature seed pods after the flowers have faded. Allow the seed pods to dry on the plant in late summer to early fall, then cut them and open the pods to harvest the black seeds inside. Keep in mind that seedlings may not resemble the parent plant due to hybridization. |
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Fertilizing
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- Fertilization Time: Fertilize in early spring when new growth begins and again in mid-summer if needed.
- Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost to encourage lush foliage and vigorous growth.
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Additional Care Tips
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- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.
- Drought Tolerance: While Brim Cup prefers consistently moist soil, it can tolerate short periods of drought once established. Regular watering is recommended during dry spells.
- Pests and Diseases: Watch for slugs and snails, which are common pests for Hosta plants. Use barriers, traps, or organic slug repellents as needed.
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Pollination
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- Pollination Type: Pollinated by bees and hummingbirds. Hosta flowers may produce seeds, though the plant is primarily grown for its ornamental foliage.
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Companion Plants
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- Astilbe
- Ferns
- Heuchera (Coral Bells)
- Tiarella (Foamflower)
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