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Growth Rate
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- Speed: Moderate grower.
- Mature Growth: Reaches 18-24 inches tall and 24-30 inches wide, forming a full, mounded 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 attracted 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: Mid-summer (July to August).
- 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: Large, wavy-edged leaves with bright green centers and wide, irregular golden-yellow margins.
- Form: Broad, heart-shaped leaves with a rippled texture that create a lush, mounded form.
- Fall Interest: The foliage remains vibrant until the first frost, after which it dies back for winter dormancy.
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Flower Description
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- Color: Lavender to pale purple bell-shaped flowers.
- Form: Tall flower spikes rise above the foliage, adding vertical interest to the garden.
- Bloom Time: Flowers appear in mid-summer, lasting several weeks.
- Fragrance: Mild fragrance.
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Planting Instructions
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- Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall for optimal root establishment.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soils (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 24-30 inches apart to allow for full growth and airflow.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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- Timing: Prune as needed to remove dead or damaged leaves.
- Method: After flowering, cut back flower stalks to maintain a neat appearance. In late fall, trim the foliage back 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 benefit from regular watering.
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Light Needs
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Thrives in partial to full shade. Morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal, though it can tolerate more sun in cooler climates if the soil is kept consistently moist. |
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Harvesting
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– Harvesting (Edible Parts): Young shoots (hostons) can be harvested in early spring before they unfurl – cut close to the base – best used fresh – can be eaten raw, sautéed, or steamed
– Flavor Profile: Mild, similar to asparagus
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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 promote lush foliage and healthy 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, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.
- Drought Tolerance: Sunshine Ripples prefers consistently moist soil but 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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Pollinated by bees and hummingbirds. Flowers may produce seed pods, though Hosta is typically 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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