Product Description
'Liberty' Hosta (Machen 2000) (20)ct Flat
- A gorgeous sport of H. 'Sagae'
- Blue-green leaves have wide, dramatically streaked, yellow margins which fade to creamy-white later in the season
- They are of much heavier substance, providing greater slug resistance
- Leaves are lightly twisted and broadly ovate, semi-upright clump with moderate growth rate.
- Lavender flowers appear on 40" scapes from early to midsummer.
American Hosta Growers' Association Hosta of the Year -- 2012
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 2012
Height: 26 Inches
Spread: 39 Inches
Scape Height: 40 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple shades
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: Early Summer - Midsummer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting
Hosta 'Liberty' is a grand and striking hosta cultivar that makes a bold statement in the shade garden with its large, variegated leaves and impressive size. It is a sport of Hosta 'Sagae' and boasts thicker leaves, wider margins, and greater slug resistance. Here is a closer look at its captivating features:
Appearance:
- Large, Variegated Leaves: 'Liberty' displays large, blue-green leaves with wide, dramatically streaked, yellow margins. The leaves are thick and have a heavy substance, providing excellent slug resistance. As the season progresses, the yellow margins gradually fade to a creamy white, creating a beautiful contrast with the blue-green center.
- Lavender Flowers: In early to midsummer, it produces pale lavender flowers on tall, 40-inch scapes (stalks) that rise above the foliage.
- Upright, Vase-Shaped Habit: It forms a semi-upright clump with a vase-shaped habit, typically reaching about 20 to 24 inches tall and 30 to 36 inches wide.
Growing Conditions:
- Shade: Thrives in partial shade to full shade. It prefers some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent the leaves from scorching.
- Moist Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3-8, making it a versatile choice for many gardeners.
Care:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Mulching: Mulching around the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every few years in spring or fall to maintain vigor.
Uses:
- Shade Gardens: Adds a bright and colorful accent to shade gardens.
- Borders: Can be used as a background plant in borders, adding height and texture.
- Specimen Plant: Its impressive size and form make it an excellent specimen plant.
- Woodland Gardens: Adds a touch of grandeur and luminosity to woodland gardens.
Additional Information:
- Large Size: 'Liberty' is a large hosta, reaching about 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
- Slug Resistance: It exhibits excellent slug resistance due to its thick, heavy leaves.
- Award Winner: It was named Hosta of the Year in 2012 by the American Hosta Growers Association.
- Parentage: It is a sport of Hosta 'Sagae', inheriting its blue-green foliage and adding dramatic yellow variegation.
If you are looking for a hosta with a captivating presence, beautiful variegated foliage, and excellent slug resistance, Hosta 'Liberty' is an outstanding choice. It is a truly remarkable addition to any shade garden.
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!
