Product Description
Hosta 'Island Breeze' PP27151 (20)ct Flat
First came ‘Fire Island’ which was followed by its variegated progeny ‘Paradise Island’. Now there is ‘Island Breeze’ which is the third member of this “tropical” family and a sport of ‘Paradise Island’.
The improvements in this cultivar include more impressive variegation due to its wider margins, thicker leaf substance, and a strong growth rate.Wide, dark green margins stand in sharp contrast to the bright yellow centers in early spring. As summer approaches, the centers become more chartreuse when plants are grown in heavier shade or lighter yellow if they are grown in more sun. Like ‘Paradise Island’, this one also has showy red speckled petioles that bleed up into the leaves. Dark lavender flowers appear on reddish green scapes in midsummer.
American Hosta Growers' Association Hosta of the Year -- 2022
Height: 12 Inches
Spread: 18 Inches
Scape Height: 28 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color: Variegated
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting
Hosta 'Island Breeze' is a vibrant and colorful hosta cultivar that brings a tropical feel to the shade garden. It is a sport of 'Paradise Island' and boasts improved variegation, thicker leaves, and a more vigorous growth rate. Here is a closer look at its captivating features:
Appearance:
- Variegated Foliage: 'Island Breeze' displays broadly ovate leaves with wide, dark green margins and bright yellow centers in the spring. The leaves are lightly puckered and have a slightly rippled edge. As summer approaches, the centers become more chartreuse when grown in heavier shade or lighter yellow if they are grown in more sun.
- Red Petioles: The vibrant foliage is further enhanced by deep red petioles (leaf stalks) that add a touch of contrast and visual interest. The red coloration even extends into the base of each leaf.
- Lavender Flowers: In midsummer, it produces lavender flowers on reddish-green scapes (stalks) that rise above the foliage.
Growing Conditions:
- Shade: Thrives in partial shade to full shade. It prefers some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent the leaves from scorching.
- Moist Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3-9, making it a versatile choice for many gardeners.
Care:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Mulching: Mulching around the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every few years in spring or fall to maintain vigor.
Uses:
- Shade Gardens: Adds a bright and colorful accent to shade gardens.
- Borders: Can be used as a border plant to illuminate shady areas.
- Containers: Its relatively compact size makes it suitable for containers on shaded patios or balconies.
- Specimen Plant: Its unique foliage makes it a great choice for a specimen plant in a container or a special spot in the garden.
Additional Information:
- Medium Size: 'Island Breeze' is a medium-sized hosta, reaching about 12 inches tall and 28 inches wide.
- Vigorous Grower: It is known for its vigorous growth and ability to quickly form a dense mound.
- Improved Sport: 'Island Breeze' is an improved sport of 'Paradise Island', with thicker leaves, wider margins, and a stronger growth rate.
- Hosta of the Year: It was named Hosta of the Year in 2022.
If you are looking for a hosta with vibrant variegated foliage, contrasting red stems, and a vigorous growth habit, Hosta 'Island Breeze' is an excellent choice. It is a beautiful and reliable addition to any shade garden.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
