Product Description
Hosta 'Vulcan' (25) Bare Root Plantss
Medium.
'Vulcan’ is a vigorous, white-centered sport of ‘Captain Kirk’. We are very impressed with its excellent growth rate and light colored center that does not melt out. Contrasting dark green margins and lighter yellow coloring jet towards the white center of each broad, heart-shaped leaf.
White scapes carry the light lavender flowers just above the foliage in mid to late summer.
Parentage: sport of H. 'Captain Kirk'
American Hosta Society Benedict Garden Performance Award Honorable Mention -- 2018
Height: 22.0 Inches
Spread: 36.0 Inches
Scape Height: 24.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple shades, with white speckling on scapes.
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 - Late Summer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Specimen, Focal Point
A Bold and Beautiful Shade-Loving Perennial
Hosta 'Vulcan', a sport of Hosta 'Captain Kirk', is a stunning variety of Hosta that is sure to capture attention with its vibrant foliage. This cultivar boasts an impressive growth rate and a unique tri-color foliage display. Let us delve into the characteristics, care requirements, and growth habits of this remarkable perennial.
Characteristics Hosta 'Vulcan' is best known for its striking variegated leaves. Each heart-shaped leaf features a bright white center encircled by a dark green margin. Adding to the visual interest, lighter green streaks appear where the dark green margin meets the white center. This creates a dynamic, almost three-dimensional effect. By midsummer, the white center takes on a lighter green hue with blue-green margins. In mid-summer, pale lavender flowers emerge on tall scapes (leafless stems), adding a delicate touch to the bold foliage.
Hosta 'Vulcan' is a medium-sized Hosta, typically reaching a height of 18-22 inches and a width of 36 inches at maturity. It forms a dense, mounded habit, making it an excellent choice for borders, containers, or as a specimen plant. This Hosta is also well-suited to urban environments, as it tolerates air pollution.
Care Requirements Hosta 'Vulcan' is a relatively low-maintenance plant, making it a favorite among gardeners of all skill levels. Here is a breakdown of its basic needs:
- Light: Hostas are known for their shade tolerance, and 'Vulcan' is no exception. It thrives in partial to full shade, ideally with morning sun and afternoon shade. While it can tolerate some sun, prolonged exposure to harsh afternoon rays can scorch its leaves. Variability in light exposure can influence leaf hues, with optimal light enhancing more vivid contrasts in the leaves.
- Water: 'Vulcan' prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it has some drought tolerance, especially in cooler climates.
- Soil: A slightly acidic, humusy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 is ideal. Sandy loam is preferable to clay, as it provides better aeration for the roots.
- Fertilizer: While not a heavy feeder, 'Vulcan' benefits from a light application of fertilizer in the spring.
- Maintenance: Remove old or faded foliage in early spring before new growth emerges. Deadheading the flower stalks after blooming can help redirect energy back to the foliage. Mulching can help retain moisture, but it can also create a haven for slugs. Consider removing mulch after a few years once the plant is established or be vigilant about slug control. In early winter, be sure to clean up all fallen hosta foliage to prevent slug and insect eggs from overwintering.
Growth Habits Hosta 'Vulcan' is a vigorous grower, quickly reaching its mature size. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-9, tolerating a wide range of temperatures. It is best to plant 'Vulcan' in spring or fall, avoiding the heat of mid-summer.
This Hosta can be propagated through division, which is best done in early spring or late summer. Division allows you to create new plants while also maintaining the desirable traits of the parent plant. Hostas, in general, can be propagated through division at any time during the growing season. It is worth noting that 'Vulcan' has an excellent growth rate for a white-centered hosta, as these types are typically slower growing.
Potential Problems While generally low-maintenance, Hosta 'Vulcan' can be susceptible to slugs and snails. These pests are attracted to the moist environment that Hostas prefer and can cause significant damage to the foliage. To prevent infestations, consider using slug bait or creating traps. It is also important to note that Hosta 'Vulcan' is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Pet owners should take precautions to prevent their animals from ingesting any part of the plant.
Companion Plants Hosta 'Vulcan' pairs well with a variety of shade-loving plants. Some excellent companions include:
- Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
- Astilbe
- Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa)
- Ligularia
- Coral Bells (Heuchera)
- Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spectabilis)
- Ferns (Dryopteris)
- Barrenwort (Epimedium)
- Cranesbill (Geranium)
- Foamflower (Tiarella)
Hosta 'Vulcan' is a truly exceptional perennial that brings bold beauty to any shade garden. Its striking tri-color foliage, with its vibrant white center that transitions to a lighter green by midsummer, is a standout feature. This Hosta is a vigorous grower, quickly reaching its mature size, which is a notable advantage, especially for a white-centered variety. It is also adaptable to various environments, tolerating both urban conditions and a wide range of temperatures. While generally easy to care for, gardeners should be mindful of potential slug infestations and take necessary precautions, especially when using mulch. With its versatility and low-maintenance nature, Hosta 'Vulcan' is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to add a touch of drama to their shady landscapes.
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!
