Hosta Whirlwind (Plantain Lily)

A very interesting variegated hosta whose leaf color changes throughout the season, 'Whirlwind' (Plantain Lily) is a lovely addition to shady areas. It forms attractive, dense mounds of ovate to heart-shaped, folded, twisted and pointed, creamy white to lime green leaves with broad dark green margins. The leaf center changes from creamy white in spring, to light green by midsummer, to dark rich green in late summer. Funnel-shaped lavender blooms appear from mid to late summer, rising on scapes 24 in. long (60 cm), but the primary contribution of this hosta is its lovely foliage.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society and Best Variegated Hosta in a Garden Award of the American Hosta Society (1992).
• Easy grower, Hosta 'Whirlwind' grows 20 in. tall (50 cm) and spreads 40 in. (100 cm).
• Performs best in part shade to full shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Shelter from cold, dry winds.
• Perfect for the shade garden, mixed with other perennials in bed and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens or containers. Great for edging or underplanting shrubs and roses.
• Watch for slugs and snails which could damage the attractive foliage.
• Cut off the stems after blooming to encourage the plant's growth. Discolored leaves should be trimmed back to the ground.
• Propagate by division in early spring or late summer.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.