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 |