Product Description
Hosta 'Dancing in the Moonlight' PP35175 (20)ct Flat
Common Name: Hosta
Extremely ruffled leaves give this Hosta the impression of 'dancing' in the shade garden. Leaf edges fold up to display ruffling that extends from the tip of the leaf down the length of the petiole. Leaves are glaucus blue with heavy rippling and wide creamy white margins. Near white flowers are held on proportionate scapes, first appearing in midsummer.
Hostas are exceedingly popular perennials in today's gardens due to their versatility in the landscape. Their subtle colors, tall flower scapes, and broad, coarse leaves fill a niche in garden designs that few other plants can achieve. Their large leaves provide excellent coverage for dying bulb foliage. Hostas also grow well in city environments where the air may be polluted by car exhaust, etc.
Hostas grow best in moist, well-drained, highly organic soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Sandy loam is better than clay because it provides more aeration for the roots. High-filtered or dappled sunlight is necessary for clean, healthy growth. Morning sun is tolerable and will help to intensify the leaf colors, but hot afternoon sun is usually deadly to hostas. They are most at home in shady, woodland settings and often work well as specimen or edging plants.
Especially in northern zones, hostas should be mulched with a layer of finely shredded organic material to prevent heaving in the winter. Mulch is beneficial because it retains moisture around the plant's roots, but it is also the ideal place for slugs to hide. Watch for holes in the center of the leaves. If they are present, so are slugs. Applying a slug bait in early spring when new shoots are beginning to emerge will help to reduce the slug population. After a few years when plants are firmly established, the mulch can be removed completely, which should eliminate the slug problem altogether. Also be sure to clean all hosta foliage out of the garden in early winter after the plants have gone dormant. By doing so, you will be ridding the area of the eggs of slugs and other leaf-eating insects.
Height: 18.0 Inches
Spread: 28.0-32.0 Inches
Scape Height: 22.0-29.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: White Shades
Foliage Color: Blue shades, Variegated
Part Shade to Full Shade
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, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting, Specimen, Focal Point
Hosta 'Dancing in the Moonlight' is a relatively new and exciting hosta cultivar that is making waves in the gardening world. It is a truly captivating plant, known for its dramatically ruffled leaves and striking variegation. Here is a detailed look at what makes 'Dancing in the Moonlight' so special:
Appearance:
- Leaves: The leaves are the star of the show with this hosta. They are a beautiful blue-green color with a wide, creamy white margin that really stands out. But what makes them truly unique is the intense ruffling and twisting along the edges. It is like the leaves are dancing in the moonlight, hence the name! The leaves are also slightly cupped, adding to their dynamic shape.
- Size: 'Dancing in the Moonlight' is a medium-sized hosta, forming a clump that reaches about 18 inches in height and 30 inches in width. This makes it a versatile choice for various garden settings.
- Flowers: In midsummer, 'Dancing in the Moonlight' produces near-white flowers on tall scapes (flower stalks) that rise above the foliage. While the flowers are not the main attraction, they add a touch of delicate beauty to the overall display.
Growing Information:
- Light: Like most hostas, 'Dancing in the Moonlight' prefers part shade to light shade. It can tolerate some morning sun, but it is best to avoid hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.
- Soil: It thrives in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Adding compost or well-rotted manure to the planting hole will help to improve soil fertility and drainage.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. However, avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Hardiness: 'Dancing in the Moonlight' is hardy in USDA zones 3-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Other Notable Features:
- Unique Texture: The heavily ruffled and twisted leaves give 'Dancing in the Moonlight' a unique texture that adds interest to the garden even when it is not in bloom.
- Eye-Catching Variegation: The wide, creamy white margins provide a striking contrast against the blue-green centers, making this hosta a real standout.
- Vigorous Growth: 'Dancing in the Moonlight' is a vigorous grower that will quickly form a nice clump.
Uses in the Garden:
- Shade Gardens: It is a perfect addition to any shade garden, where its unique foliage can add texture and color.
- Woodland Gardens: It blends beautifully with other shade-loving plants in a woodland setting.
- Container Gardens: It can also be grown in containers, making it a good choice for patios or balconies.
- Focal Point: Its unique appearance makes it a great focal point in the garden, drawing the eye and adding a touch of drama.
Additional Tips:
- Protect from slugs and snails, which can damage the leaves.
- Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
- Remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking its best.
Hosta 'Dancing in the Moonlight' is a truly special plant that is sure to bring joy and beauty to your garden. Its unique foliage and vigorous growth make it a must-have for any hosta lover.
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!
