Product Description
Hosta 'Rainforest Sunrise' (Anderson 2003) (20)ct Flat
- Small.
- Luminous golden leaf with dark green edge.
- Nearly round, great substance, deeply cupped and intensely corrugated.
- A sport of 'Maui Buttercups'
- Leaves are solid light green when they emerge, then quickly develop dramatic dark green borders and radiant gold centers
- They are thick and glossy, holding up well all season, and are also slug resistant
- Light lavender flowers are produced on up to 24" scapes in midsummer
American Hosta Growers' Association Hosta of the Year -- 2013
Height: 8 Inches
Spread: 16 Inches
Scape Height: 18 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 'Rainforest Sunrise' is a vibrant and eye-catching hosta cultivar that brings a splash of tropical color to shade gardens. It is a sport of 'Maui Buttercups' and is prized for its bright golden foliage, unique cupped leaves, and vigorous growth. Here is a closer look at its captivating features:
Appearance:
- Variegated Foliage: 'Rainforest Sunrise' emerges in spring with light green leaves that quickly develop dramatic dark green borders and radiant gold centers. The leaves are thick, glossy, and heavily corrugated, adding a beautiful texture to the shade garden.
- Lavender Flowers: In midsummer, it produces light lavender flowers on 24-inch scapes (stalks) that rise above the foliage.
- Compact Mound: It forms a compact, mounding habit, typically reaching about 8 inches tall and 16 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 and maintain their bright golden color.
- 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:
- Containers: Its small size makes it ideal for containers on shaded patios or balconies.
- Border Edging: Can be used as an edging plant along walkways or in front of taller plants in shade gardens.
- Rock Gardens: Adds a touch of color and texture to rock gardens.
- Specimen Plant: Its unique foliage makes it a great choice for a specimen plant in a small garden or a special spot in the landscape.
Additional Information:
- Slug Resistance: It exhibits good resistance to slugs due to its thick, glossy leaves.
- Sun Tolerance: 'Rainforest Sunrise' is known for its ability to tolerate sun more than many other hosta cultivars, making it a versatile choice for gardens with varying light conditions.
- Hosta of the Year: It was named Hosta of the Year in 2013 by the American Hosta Growers Association.
If you are looking for a small but vibrant hosta with bright golden foliage, a unique texture, and charming flowers, Hosta 'Rainforest Sunrise' is an excellent choice. It is a delightful 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!
