Product Description
'Minuteman' Hosta (Machen 1994) (20)ct Flat
Medium.
- A sport of 'Francee'
- Stunning, very dark green leaves are surrounded by a wide, pure white margin
- Leaves have good substance, and are sometimes cupped and slightly wavy
- Pale lavender striped flowers appear on 24" scapes in early to midsummer
- One of the most popular white-margined hostas
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 2012
Height: 18 Inches
Spread: 30 Inches
Scape Height: 24 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: Early Summer - Midsummer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate: Rapid
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting
Hosta 'Minuteman' is a stunning variety of hosta prized for its vibrant foliage and low-maintenance nature. It is a moderate to large-sized hosta, reaching a mature size of 23 inches tall and 50 inches wide . It is a clump-forming perennial with large, ovate-shaped, dark green leaves that have wide, pure white margins . In early to midsummer, 'Minuteman' produces racemes of pale lavender flowers on 24-inch tall scapes that rise above the foliage mound.
Characteristics Hosta 'Minuteman' originated as a sport of 'Francee' and is known for its thick, substantial leaves . This hosta is a very strong grower that will fill in to be a spectacular, broad plant . The leaves have a satiny texture and are sometimes cupped and slightly wavy . The dark green centers of the leaves contrast beautifully with the wide, bright white margins . The flowers are pale lavender and appear in early to midsummer . 'Minuteman' is a fast grower and adds great color to shady borders and containers . It is also somewhat slug resistant, thanks to its thick leaves . Unlike many other hosta varieties, 'Minuteman' is sun tolerant , making it a versatile choice for gardens with varying light conditions.
Care Requirements Hosta 'Minuteman' is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It thrives in part shade to full shade and prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil . It is important to shelter the plant from cold, dry winds . To ensure the plant thrives, follow these care instructions:
- Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, reduce the frequency of watering.
- Remove old, faded foliage before new leaves emerge in early spring.
- Propagate by division in early spring or late summer.
Growth Habits Hosta 'Minuteman' is a moderate-growing hosta that forms a dense clump . It is similar to the award-winning variety 'Patriot', but its leaves are thicker, with darker green centers and brighter white edges . The leaves are also more sun and heat tolerant . 'Minuteman' has a dense and mounding growth habit and stays just 18 inches tall . It is a fast grower and adds sparkle to any shady area.
Hardiness Zone Hosta 'Minuteman' is hardy in USDA zones 3-9 . This means it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can be grown in many different regions.
Flower Color The flowers of Hosta 'Minuteman' are dark lavender . They appear in early to midsummer on scapes that rise above the foliage mound to 24 inches tall.
Companion Plants Hosta 'Minuteman' pairs well with a variety of shade-loving plants. Some recommended companion plants include:
- Coral Bells (Heuchera)
- Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
- Columbine (Aquilegia)
- Ligularia (Ligularia)
- Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
- Astilbe
- Ferns
- Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)
- Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum)
When choosing companion plants, consider factors such as color coordination, growth habits, and mutual benefits. For example, the feathery plumes of astilbe create a stunning contrast with the bold foliage of hosta . Ferns add a delicate touch to hosta leaves, and both plants share a preference for shaded environments . Hostas can also be used as an underplanting for azaleas to create a layered look in a woodland setting.
Pests and Diseases While Hosta 'Minuteman' is a relatively low-maintenance plant, it is still susceptible to certain pests and diseases. One common problem is slugs, which are attracted to the plant's leaves. However, 'Minuteman' is somewhat slug-resistant due to its thick leaves . Other potential issues include anthracnose, a fungal disease that causes irregularly shaped spots on the leaves, and hosta leaf nematodes, microscopic worms that can cause discoloration and streaking . To prevent these problems, it is important to provide the plant with proper care, including adequate watering and good air circulation.
Hosta 'Minuteman' is a beautiful and versatile plant that is a great addition to any shade garden. Its vibrant foliage, with dark green centers and bright white margins, adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. It is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow, making it a great choice for gardeners of all levels of experience. 'Minuteman' is also sun tolerant and somewhat slug resistant, making it a versatile and resilient choice for a variety of garden settings. With proper care, 'Minuteman' will thrive and provide years of enjoyment.
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!
