Growth Rate
|
– Moderate to fast
– Mature height: 18–20 inches
– Mature spread: 36–40 inches
– Dense, mounding habit |
Colorful leaves
|
|
Flowering
|
Yes |
Bloom Color
|
|
Disease resistant
|
Yes |
Cold Tolerant
|
Yes |
Heat Tolerant
|
No |
Drought Tolerant
|
No |
Deer Resistant
|
No |
Edible
|
No |
Wildlife Attraction
|
– Flowers attract bees and other pollinators
– Foliage may be browsed by deer and slugs unless protected |
Self-pollinating
|
|
Seasonality
|
– Emerges in mid to late spring
– Maintains strong foliage color through summer into fall
– Blooms in midsummer
– Foliage dies back after frost; dormant in winter |
Ideal For
|
– Bright accents in shaded beds
– Bold foliage interest
– Pairing with darker-leaved hostas
– Container plantings |
Leaf Description
|
– Heart-shaped, broad leaves with glowing chartreuse centers and creamy white margins
– Leaves are thick and slightly shiny, offering improved slug resistance
– Color holds well through summer, especially with some morning sun
– Leaf texture is smooth with subtle veining |
Flower Description
|
– Fragrant, pale lavender to white trumpet-shaped blooms
– Appear on 24–30 inch scapes in midsummer
– Fragrance is strongest in evening hours
– Adds vertical interest and attracts pollinators |
Planting Instructions
|
– Plant in early spring or fall for best establishment
– Choose a location with partial shade; morning sun tolerated, especially in cooler zones
– Prefers moist, well-drained, rich organic soil
– Plant with the crown at soil level and space plants 30–36 inches apart
– Mulch with 2 inches of compost or shredded bark to retain moisture |
Pruning & Maintenance
|
– Remove damaged or yellowing leaves during the season
– Cut foliage down to the ground after frost in late fall
– Remove flower scapes after blooming unless seed pods are desired |
Water Needs
|
– Keep soil consistently moist, especially in summer heat
– Water deeply once or twice a week depending on rainfall
– Mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds |
Light Needs
|
– Plant in early spring or fall for best establishment
– Choose a location with partial shade; morning sun tolerated, especially in cooler zones
– Prefers moist, well-drained, rich organic soil
– Plant with the crown at soil level and space plants 30–36 inches apart
– Mulch with 2 inches of compost or shredded bark to retain moisture |
Harvesting
|
– Foliage and flowers can be cut for simple arrangements
– Best divided in early spring or late summer for propagation |
Fertilizing
|
– Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring
– Avoid excess nitrogen, which can reduce variegation and promote soft growth
– Top-dress with compost to improve soil over time |
Pollination
|
– Pollinated by bees; flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators
– May produce viable seed but typically propagated by division
– Grown primarily for foliage, not seed |
Companion Plants
|
– Heuchera for varied foliage tones and texture
– Astilbe for airy blooms and moisture compatibility
– Brunnera for cool-toned foliage contrast
– Tiarella for low-growing texture under taller hostas
– Ferns for structure and layered woodland composition |