Hosta First Frost (Plantain Lily)

Prized for its foliage which remains attractive until first frost, ‘First Frost’ (Plantain Lily) forms attractive, dense mounds of upright, heart-shaped blue-green leaves, 7in. long (17 cm), with wide gold margins in spring, gradually maturing to creamy-white

Prized for its foliage which remains attractive until first frost, 'First Frost' (Plantain Lily) is a lovely addition to shady areas. It forms attractive, dense mounds of upright, heart-shaped blue-green leaves,  7in. long (17 cm), with wide gold margins in spring, gradually maturing to creamy-white. Funnel-shaped pale lavender blooms appear in midsummer, rising on scapes  28 in. long (70 cm) but the primary contribution of this hosta is its lovely foliage.

  • Easy grower, Hosta 'First Frost' grows 16 in. tall (40 cm) and spreads 24-36 in. (60-90 cm).
  • Recipient of multiple awards, including the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society and the American Hosta Growers 2010 Hosta of the Year award
  • 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. 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.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 9

Heat Zones 2
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Hosta – Plantain Lilies
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 24″
– 36″
(60cm
– 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden