{"product_id":"ben-vernooij-hosta","title":"Ben Vernooij Hosta","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Hosta 'Ben Vernooij' is a striking, medium-sized perennial known for its exceptional foliage durability and intense variegation. It is a tetraploid sport of the award-winning 'First Frost' variety, meaning it has extra-thick leaves that provide superior slug resistance and help it maintain its appearance until the first frost of autumn. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKey Characteristics\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFoliage: Heart-shaped leaves with intense blue-green centers and wide, feathered creamy-yellow margins that mature to creamy white as the season progresses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowers: Large, bell-shaped pale lavender flowers bloom on tall stems during mid-summer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: Typically reaches 12–18 inches tall and spreads 24–36 inches wide.\u003cbr\u003eGrowth Habit: Clump-forming with a mounded, slightly spreading form.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowing Requirements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLight: Performs best in part to full shade. Filtered or morning sun helps maximize the color contrast of the variegated leaves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoil: Prefers rich, moist, and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of various soil types, including clay and acidic soils.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardiness: Highly adaptable, thriving in USDA Zones 3–9.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintenance: Low maintenance; simply remove spent flower stalks and trim back dead foliage in early spring. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"The Happy Hosta","offers":[{"title":"2-Gallon","offer_id":43945963979001,"sku":"","price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0632\/5757\/5673\/files\/ben_vernoij.png?v=1771590243","url":"https:\/\/thehappyhosta.com\/products\/ben-vernooij-hosta","provider":"The Happy Hosta","version":"1.0","type":"link"}