Hosta hybrid 'So Sweet' - So Sweet Hosta

So Sweet is highly attractive to pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thanks to its fragrant white flowers. The dense foliage also provides shelter for small insects. In addition, the plant is deer and rabbit resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens prone to wildlife browsing.

• Seasonality: Herbaceous perennial; dies back in winter and regrows in spring.
• Flowering Season: Mid to late summer (July-August)
• Bloom Description: So Sweet produces tall spikes of large, highly fragrant, trumpet-shaped white flowers in mid to late summer. The sweetly scented blooms are particularly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding ecological value to the garden.

Shade gardens

– Borders and edging

– Groundcover

– Mixed woodland plantings

– Container gardens in shade

The heart-shaped leaves of Hosta 'So Sweet' are glossy, medium green with creamy white margins. The variegated edges add a bright contrast, and the shiny leaf surface enhances the plant's appeal. This lush, mounded foliage stays attractive throughout the growing season, making it a great ground cover or border plant.

Produces elegant, trumpet-shaped pale lavender to nearly white flowers that are highly fragrant. Blooms rise on tall scapes above the foliage and typically appear from July to August.

• Planting Season: Best planted in early spring or fall when temperatures are cooler, allowing the plant to establish roots before the growing season or winter dormancy.

• Soil Requirements: Prefers rich, well-drained soil that retains moisture but doesn’t become waterlogged. Adding compost or organic matter will improve the soil’s fertility and moisture retention, which is essential for optimal growth.

• Spacing: Space plants 24-36 inches apart to allow for mature spread and to create a lush, ground-covering effect in mass plantings or borders.

Planting Instructions:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
2. Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface.
3. Backfill with soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly.
4. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning is minimal for Hosta 'So Sweet'. Remove spent flowers after blooming to maintain a neat appearance and to redirect energy to the foliage. In late fall or early spring, cut back the dead foliage to the ground to allow fresh growth to emerge. Regularly remove any damaged or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy and tidy.

So Sweet needs regular watering, especially during its first growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering or waterlogged conditions. Established plants are more drought-tolerant but perform best with consistent moisture, particularly during hot, dry periods.

Thrives in partial shade to full shade. For optimal foliage color and performance, plant So Sweet in a location that receives dappled sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade. While it can tolerate some sunlight, too much direct exposure may cause the leaves to burn or fade.

The tall, fragrant flower spikes of So Sweet can be harvested for use in fresh floral arrangements. The sweet-smelling white blooms add a touch of elegance and fragrance to indoor displays. Harvest the flowers when they are fully open for the best effect.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage. A second light feeding in mid-summer can help sustain the plant through the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds. Mulching also helps protect the shallow root system from temperature extremes.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: So Sweet is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, slugs and snails may occasionally target the foliage, especially in damp conditions. Use slug deterrents or traps if needed to protect the leaves.

• Winter Care: In colder climates, So Sweet will die back to the ground in winter. No special winter care is needed; simply cut back the dead foliage in early spring to allow fresh growth to emerge.

Hosta ‘So Sweet’ is self-pollinating and insect-pollinated, primarily by bees. Its fragrant, tubular flowers attract pollinators during its bloom season in mid-to-late summer.

Pairs beautifully with other shade-loving perennials such as:

Brunnera macrophylla, Heuchera (Coral Bells), Astilbe, Tiarella, Ferns (like Dryopteris or Athyrium), Pulmonaria, Lamium, and Dicentra. These provide varied textures and seasonal interest alongside 'So Sweet’s' variegated foliage.