Earth Angel Hosta

The 'Earth Angel' Hosta is a highly popular, award-winning perennial known for its dramatic, large, heart-shaped, blue-green leaves with wide, creamy white margins. It thrives in shady garden areas and is a sport of the well-known 'Blue Angel' Hosta. 

Description and Key Features

• Foliage: The large, heart-shaped leaves are blue-green in the center with a wide, creamy-white margin that appears yellowish in spring and lightens as it matures. The leaves have a quilted texture and good substance, making them relatively slug-resistant.
• Size: This is a giant Hosta, forming mature clumps that can reach up to 2-3 feet in height and 4-6 feet in width.
• Flowers: In midsummer, pale lavender to white, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom on tall, sturdy stalks (scapes) that can reach 3 feet in height, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators.
• Awards: It was named the American Hosta Growers Association Hosta of the Year in 2009. 
  

Growing and Care Guide

• Light: It performs best in partial shade to full shade, and requires protection from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. Morning sun is generally tolerable.
• Soil: It thrives in moist, well-drained, highly organic soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Amending heavy clay soil with organic matter improves aeration and moisture retention.
• Watering: Consistent moisture is key, especially during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant, but performs best with regular watering.
• Pruning: The leaves will die back after the first frost in the fall. In late fall or early spring, cut the old foliage back to the ground to remove hiding spots for slugs and prevent overwintering fungal diseases.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring as new shoots emerge.
• Pests: While it has some slug resistance due to its thick leaves, slugs can still be a problem. Slug bait applied in early spring can help reduce the population.