General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. Does best in rich, moist, organic soils in light, sun-dappled shade. Divide plants as needed in spring or autumn (perhaps easiest in early spring before the leaves unfurl).
Noteworthy Characteristics:
'Patriot' is a hosta cultivar that features a 12-20" tall mound of large, variegated, oval, basal leaves (to 7" long) which have deep green centers and wide irregular white margins. A sport of the long popular H. 'Francee'. Foliage mound will typically spread to 24-30" wide. Racemes of bell-shaped, lavender flowers appear in summer on scapes rising well above the foliage mound to 34" tall. J. Machen 1992.
Problems:
Slugs and snails are attracted to the foliage, chewing jagged holes in the leaves, and if left unchecked, can cause serious damage over a fairly short period of time. Leaf spots and crown rot are less frequent problems. Otherwise, hostas are virtually pest-free and are considered ideal low-maintenance garden perennials.
Uses:
Hostas are a mainstay of shade gardens. This hosta can be mixed with other perennials in shady borders, shade gardens or woodland gardens, or used as an edging plant. Mass for a showy ground cover.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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