Hosta ‘Stained Glass’ Plantain Lily

American Hosta Growers’ Association Hosta of the Year 2006

A fragrant variety, Hosta ‘Stained Glass’ Plantain Lily is an herbaceous rhizomatous perennial offering 3 seasons of interest. Grown for its dramatic ornamental foliage, Hosta ‘Stained Glass’ has huge, broad, heart-shaped leaves with a bright golden-yellow center and dark green margins. Prominent veining throughout the leaves give them a stained-glass window effect. More sun brings out more golden tones. Large, fragrant, pale lavender (nearly white) flowers, borne on long 30-inch scapes, bloom late summer, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. The flowers make nice additions to floral arrangements.

Members of the Hosta genus are commonly called hosta or plantain lily. A sport of ‘Guacamole’, Hosta ‘Stained Glass’ has the same rapid growth rate and mounding habit, but it displays its variegation earlier in spring and maintains a much brighter gold color throughout the season. As with all fragrant hostas, the species Hosta plantaginea is in its lineage. Hosta is a highly versatile plant, shown to best effect when grouped or massed in beds and borders. But it also makes a lovely specimen or container plant as well as nice edging.

Cold hardy, easy to grow, low maintenance, and very adaptable, hosta grows best in partly sunny to shady locations with humus-rich, moist, well-draining soil having a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.5), but it tolerates a wide range of soils. Some morning or dappled sun may be beneficial, especially for leaf color; however, too much sun could be deadly. In the growing season, hosta needs consistent moisture and should never be allowed to dry out fully.