Hosta 'Undulata Variegata'
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Tried and True Recommended by 1 Professional
Common Name: hosta
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Agavaceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 1 to 2 feet
Spread: 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: June to July
Bloom Description: Lavender
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Colorful
Wildlife: Attracts Hummingbirds
Tolerates: Dense Shade, Black Walnuts

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. Does best in rich, moist, organic soils in light, sun-dappled shade. Divide plants as needed in spring or autumn (perhaps easiest in early spring before the leaves unfurl).

Noteworthy Characteristics

Hosta undulata and Hosta ‘Undulata’ are designations applied to a large number of garden hostas that have in common wavy-margined, twisted leaves, which are either variegated or all green. Hostas sold in commerce as Hosta ‘Undulata Variegata’ or Hosta undulata ‘Variegata’ usually are mounding plants to 15-22” tall featuring narrow oval to elliptic wavy-margined green leaves (to 7” long) with irregular creamy white center stripes. Racemes of funnel-shaped, lavender flowers appear in summer on scapes rising well above the foliage mound to (24-36” tall). The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) currently breaks down Hosta undulata into four separate varieties (var. albomarginata, var. erromena, var. undulata and var. univittata). Under RHS designation, the within plant is synonymous with Hosta undulata var. undulata. Because of the taxonomic confusion over these wavy-leaved hostas, it may be best to check out the foliage before buying.

Problems

Slugs and snails are attracted to the foliage, chewing jagged holes in the leaves, and if left unchecked, can cause serious damage over a fairly short period of time. Leaf spots and crown rot are less frequent problems. Otherwise, hostas are virtually pest-free and are considered ideal low-maintenance garden perennials.

Garden Uses

Hostas are a mainstay of shade gardens. This hosta can be mixed with other perennials in shady borders, shade gardens or woodland gardens, or used as an edging plant. Mass for a showy ground cover.

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