Product Description
'Old Glory' Hosta PP12503 (Hansen 1999) (25) Bare Root Plants
Medium.
Dark green margin with golden yellow center;
slightly rippled, nearly round leaves leaves.
Mature size: 36 inches wide by 14 inch height;
mound-like habit; vigorous growth rate.
8 inch long by 8 inch wide leaves.
Light lavender flowers.
Parentage: Sport of H. 'Glory'.
Heart-shaped leaves have golden yellow centers and irregular,
1 inch wide, dark green margins.
A Show-Stopping Addition to Any Shade Garden
Hosta 'Old Glory' is a stunning variety of Hosta that is sure to be a showstopper in any shade garden. With its vibrant golden yellow leaves with dark green margins and lavender flowers, it is a beautiful and versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Hosta 'Old Glory', covering its characteristics, ideal growing conditions, care and maintenance, and where to purchase it.
Hosta 'Old Glory', hybridized by Hans Hansen in 1999, is a sport of Hosta 'Glory' with an added dark green margin. It is a vigorous grower with heart-shaped leaves that have golden yellow centers and uneven dark green margins. A lighter shade of green appears where the two main colors overlap, creating a unique tricolor effect. The leaves are nicely ribbed and have a heavy substance, meaning they are thick and stiff. Deep veins and wavy margins add to the beauty of this attractive Hosta. It is a medium-sized Hosta, reaching a height of 14 inches and a width of 36 inches at maturity. In mid-summer, it produces dainty spikes of lavender flowers that rise above the foliage on 20-inch scapes. This variety is also known to attract hummingbirds.
- Botanical Name: Hosta 'Old Glory'
- Common Name: Hosta, Plantain Lily, Funkia
- Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 3a - 8b
- Mature Size: 14" tall x 36" wide
- Flower Color: Lavender
- Flower Stalk Height: 20 inches
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer
- Foliage Color: Golden yellow with dark green margins
- Growth Rate: Medium
- Sun Tolerance: Medium
Ideal Growing Conditions for Hosta 'Old Glory'
- Soil Type Hosta 'Old Glory' prefers moist, well-drained, highly organic soils. Sandy loam is preferable to clay as it provides better aeration for the roots. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
- Sunlight Requirements While Hosta 'Old Glory' thrives in partial to full shade, it can tolerate more sun than some other Hosta varieties. It does best with 2-5 hours of sun per day. If you live in a hot climate, it is best to plant it in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Interestingly, many Hostas, and potentially 'Old Glory', can thrive even in full sun conditions as long as they receive sufficient water.
- Watering Needs Hosta 'Old Glory' needs about an inch of water per week. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. To check the soil moisture, you can use a finger test (insert your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle; if it feels dry, it is time to water) or a moisture meter. Avoid overhead watering, as this can promote fungal diseases.
Care and Maintenance of Hosta 'Old Glory' Hosta 'Old Glory' is a relatively low-maintenance plant. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure it thrives.
- Pruning Hosta 'Old Glory' does not require regular pruning. However, you can remove any dead or damaged leaves throughout the growing season. In the fall, after the first frost, you can cut back the foliage to the ground.
- Fertilizing Hosta 'Old Glory' does not require a lot of fertilizer. If your soil is poor, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to soft growth that is more susceptible to pests and diseases.
- Pest Control Hostas are susceptible to slugs and snails, which can damage the leaves. You can control slugs and snails by using slug bait, beer traps, or by hand-picking them off the plants.
- Dividing To maintain the vigor and health of your Hosta 'Old Glory', it's recommended to divide the plant every few years. This can be done in the spring or fall. Carefully dig up the entire plant, separate the roots into smaller sections, and replant them in new locations. Dividing not only helps rejuvenate the plant but also provides you with more Hostas to expand your garden or share with friends.
Companion Plants for Hosta 'Old Glory' Hosta 'Old Glory' pairs well with a variety of shade-loving plants. Some excellent companions include:
- Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
- Lenten Rose (Helleborus 'Rio Carnival')
- Toad Lily (Tricyrtis 'Autumn Glow')
These plants complement the color and texture of 'Old Glory' while thriving in similar growing conditions.
Hosta 'Old Glory' is a truly exceptional addition to any shade garden. Its vigorous growth, striking foliage with the unique third color overlap, and attractive lavender flowers make it a standout performer. While it thrives in shade, its tolerance for sunny conditions with adequate watering offers greater versatility in garden design. By providing moist, well-drained soil with high organic content and following the simple care tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your Hosta 'Old Glory' flourishes and becomes a captivating focal point in your garden for years to come.
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!
