Product Description
'Rainbow's End' Hosta (20)ct Flat
Small.
This unique hosta exhibits incredibly variegated, shiny foliage. The bright yellow leaves of good substance have dark green margins that jet into the center, and the center brightens to creamy white in summer. It forms a medium sized mound of attractive foliage in the landscape. In late summer, showy red scapes carry the dark lavender, tubular flowers.
sport of OBSESSION.
American Hosta Growers' Association Hosta of the Year -- 2021
American Hosta Society Benedict Garden Performance Award Honorable Mention -- 2017
American Hosta Society Benedict Garden Performance Award of Merit -- 2018
Height: 11 Inches
Spread: 21 Inches
Scape Height: 16-19 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: Late Summer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate: Slow
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Specimen, Focal Point
Hosta 'Rainbow's End' is a must-have for any shade garden! This compact, award-winning hosta boasts vibrant, variegated foliage with a unique striped appearance. Its thick, rubbery leaves emerge bright yellow with dark green margins, then mature to a creamy white center, adding a touch of gold to shady spots. In late summer, showy lavender blooms rise on red scapes, attracting hummingbirds and adding vertical interest.
With its incredible variegation and compact habit, Hosta 'Rainbow's End' is truly unique. The glossy, lance-shaped leaves emerge bright yellow with dark green margins that jet into the center. As the season progresses, the center brightens to creamy white, creating a striking contrast. The glossy foliage has an interesting striped appearance, with streaks of yellow brightening to creamy white in the summer amidst the dark green margins. Each leaf sports a unique pattern, making this hosta a true conversation starter.
This hosta forms a dense, unruly mound of thick, rubbery foliage, reaching 11 inches tall and 20 inches wide. In late summer, it produces racemes of dark lavender, tubular flowers on showy red scapes that reach 20 inches in height. Hosta 'Rainbow's End' was named Hosta of the Year by The American Hosta Growers Association in 2021.
This slow-growing perennial thrives in shade to part shade. It prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil and shelter from cold, dry winds. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for adding color and texture to shady gardens, borders, rock gardens, and containers. It is also suitable for rain gardens, has low flammability, and is cold tolerant. This hosta is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
- Botanical name Hosta 'Rainbow's End'
- Common name Plantain Lily 'Rainbow's End'
- Hardiness zones 3-9
- Mature size 11 inches tall and 20 inches wide
- Bloom time Mid to late summer
- Sun exposure Shade to part shade
- Soil conditions Moist, well-drained soil
- Water needs Moderate
Planting
To ensure your Hosta 'Rainbow's End' thrives, follow these planting instructions:
- Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for adequate growth.
- Soil preparation: Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
- Planting depth: Plant the crown at the same level as it was in the pot.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and encourage root establishment.
Care
Care Aspect | Instructions |
Watering | Water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist. |
Fertilizing | Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients. |
Mulching | Apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations. |
Dividing | Divide every 3-5 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. |
Pests and diseases | Watch for slugs and snails, which can damage the foliage. |
Hosta 'Rainbow's End' is an excellent choice for adding vibrant color and unique texture to any shade garden. Its striking striped variegation, showy lavender blooms on red scapes, and compact habit make it a standout performer. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in shade to part shade and is suitable for rain gardens, borders, rock gardens, and containers. Consider pairing it with companion plants such as Astilbe 'Deutschland', Brunnera 'Variegata', Carex 'Bowles Golden', Dicentra 'Gold Heart', Pulmonaria 'Spot On', and Viola 'Etain' for a stunning display. With proper planting and care, this award-winning hosta will provide years of beauty and enjoyment.
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!