Product Description
'Patriot' Hosta (J. Machem 1991) (20)ct Flat
Medium.
- Ovate leaves have dark green centers and outstanding, crisp white, streaked margins (margins are creamy-yellow in spring)
- Leaves are of better than average substance, are slightly wavy, and display good sun tolerance
- Lavender flowers appear on 30" scapes in midsummer
- Attracts both hummingbirds and songbirds
- A sport of 'Francee'
American Hosta Growers' Association Hosta of the Year -- 1997
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 2012
Height: 22 Inches
Spread: 30 Inches
Scape Height: 30 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color: Variegated
Full Sun (> 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 'Patriot' is a classic and beloved hosta cultivar that stands out with its boldly variegated foliage and vigorous growth. It is a medium-sized hosta that forms a dense, attractive mound, making it a versatile addition to shade gardens. Here is a closer look at its patriotic features:
Appearance:
- Dark Green Leaves with White Margins: 'Patriot' features large, heart-shaped leaves with a deep green center and a wide, irregular white margin. The contrasting colors create a striking, patriotic effect.
- Lavender Flowers: In midsummer, it produces lavender flowers on 34-inch scapes (stalks) that rise well above the foliage.
- Mounding Habit: It forms a dense, mounding habit, typically reaching about 12 to 20 inches tall and 24 to 30 inches wide.
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 3-8, 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 or edging for pathways.
- Containers: Its relatively compact size makes it suitable for containers on shaded patios or balconies.
- Groundcover: Its spreading habit can be used to create a small-scale groundcover in shady areas.
Additional Information:
- Vigorous Growth: 'Patriot' is known for its vigorous growth and ability to quickly fill a space in the shade garden.
- Parentage: It is a sport of the popular Hosta 'Francee', which is known for its similar leaf shape and variegation pattern.
- Popularity: 'Patriot' is one of the most popular hosta cultivars, widely admired for its striking foliage and reliable performance.
If you are looking for a hosta with bold, variegated foliage, a compact size, and a vigorous growth habit, Hosta 'Patriot' is an excellent choice. It is a beautiful and low-maintenance 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!
