Product Description
'Francee' Hosta (M. Klopping/AHS 1986) (25) bare root clumps
- Medium to dark green, somewhat glossy, heart-shaped leaves have narrow, clean white margins
- Variegation holds up very well in sun
- Forms a wide, low mound of foliage making it ideal for use as a groundcover
- Lavender flowers appear on 30' scapes from mid to late summer
- Exhibits greater sun tolerance
Medium.
Height:14 Inches
Spread: 36 inches
Scape Height: 30 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color: Variegated
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) to Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer to Late Summer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate: Rapid
Border Plant, Mass Planting, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Edging, Attractive Foliage, Specimen, Focal Point
Add a Touch of Classic Elegance to Your Shade Garden with 'Francee' Hosta!
Hosta 'Francee' is a beloved and widely admired hosta cultivar known for its elegant, heart-shaped leaves with striking white margins. This vigorous and adaptable perennial forms a dense mound of foliage, adding a touch of sophistication and texture to shady gardens, borders, or containers.
'Francee' is a classic hosta that has been a garden favorite for decades. Its large, heart-shaped leaves are a rich, dark green with a distinct white margin, creating a beautiful contrast that brightens up shady areas. In mid to late summer, the plant sends up tall, graceful scapes bearing pale lavender flowers, adding a touch of elegance to the display. This hosta is a reliable grower and requires minimal care, making it a popular choice for gardeners of all levels.
- Mature Size: 21 inches tall, 36 inches wide
- Foliage Color: Dark green with white margins
- Flower Color: Pale lavender
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
- Growth Habit: Mounding, clump-forming
- Light Needs: Part shade to full shade
- Soil Needs: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (USDA)
- Special Features: Variegated foliage, attractive flowers, shade tolerant, low maintenance
Planting:
- Timing: Plant in spring or fall for best results.
- Location: Choose a shady or partially shaded location with fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Avoid planting in areas with direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
- Soil Preparation: Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and moisture retention.
- Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for adequate growth.
- Planting Depth: Plant the crown (where the leaves emerge from the roots) at the same level as the soil surface.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and regularly until it is established.
Care:
- Watering: Hostas prefer consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the shallow roots.
- Pruning: Remove any faded or damaged leaves throughout the growing season. Cut back the flower stalks after blooming to encourage foliage growth.
- Pest and Disease Control: 'Francee' is generally pest and disease resistant, but watch for slugs and snails, which can damage the foliage.
Uses in the Garden:
- Shade Gardens: Ideal for adding texture and contrast to shade gardens.
- Woodland Gardens: Thrives in woodland settings, complementing other shade-loving plants.
- Borders and Edging: Creates a beautiful border along walkways or flower beds.
- Groundcover: Can be used as a groundcover in shady areas.
- Containers: Can be grown in containers, adding a touch of elegance to patios and balconies.
- Mass Plantings: Plant in groups for a dramatic display of foliage and flowers.
Bring a touch of classic elegance to your shade garden with Hosta 'Francee'!
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!
