Product Description
'Guacamole' Hosta (4) 1-gallons
- Huge, glossy, apple green leaves are surrounded by streaked, dark green leaf margins just like an avocado
- Leaf centers become brighter gold in summer and when exposed to more sunlight while the margins remain dark green
- Very fragrant, flared, pale lavender flowers appear on 36" scapes in late summer
- Rapid grower that displays good sun tolerance
- A sport of 'Fragrant Bouquet'
- Exhibits greater sun tolerance.
2002 Hosta of the year.
Height: 22.0 Inches
Spread: 38 inches
Scape Height: 36.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color: Variegated
Full 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: Medium
Border Plant, Mass Planting, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Attractive Foliage, Specimen, Focal Point
Hosta 'Guacamole' is a vibrant and aptly named hosta, celebrated for its large, eye-catching leaves and fragrant flowers. This medium-sized hosta forms a dense mound of chartreuse-green foliage, with each leaf edged by an irregular, darker green margin, reminiscent of the colors of guacamole. The leaves are thick and glossy, adding a lush texture to the shade garden. 'Guacamole' is a vigorous grower and adds a bright splash of color to any shady spot. In late summer, it produces tall, elegant scapes of fragrant, pale lavender to white flowers, adding another layer of appeal to this already captivating hosta.
Details:
- Mature Size: 18 inches tall, 4 feet wide
- Leaf Size: 10-12 inches long, 6-8 inches wide
- Flower Color: Pale lavender to white (fragrant)
- Bloom Time: Late summer
- Growth Habit: Mounding
- Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade (Some sun intensifies color)
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Planting and Care:
- Planting: Choose a location with partial to full shade. While 'Guacamole' tolerates full shade, its best coloration develops with some morning sun or dappled sunlight. Ensure the soil is moist and well-drained. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and plant at the same depth as the container. Space plants about 3-4 feet apart to allow for their mature spread.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting1the leaves, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Avoid over-fertilizing.
- Mulching: Mulch around the plants with shredded bark, compost, or pine needles to retain moisture, control weeds, and protect the crown.
- Pest and Disease Control: Be vigilant for slugs and snails, which can be a threat to hostas. Use appropriate control measures like slug bait or traps if needed. Hosta Virus X (HVX) is also a potential issue; purchase plants from reputable sources and discard any plants exhibiting symptoms of the virus.
- Division: Divide clumps every 3-5 years, or as needed, to prevent overcrowding and rejuvenate the plant. Division is best done in spring or fall.
Special Considerations:
- Hosta 'Guacamole' is an excellent choice for brightening up shady borders, woodland gardens, or container plantings.
- Its vibrant foliage and fragrant flowers add both color and scent to the landscape.
- It pairs well with other shade-loving plants, especially those with contrasting foliage colors and textures.
- The intensity of the chartreuse color in the leaves will depend on the amount of sunlight it receives.
(4) 1-gallon containers ready to plant, plants may be trimmed for shipping,
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!
