Giggling Greta Hosta

The Hosta 'Giggling Greta' is a perennial plant registered in 2018 by Doug & Mardy Beilstein, known for its green foliage with creamy yellow marginal variegation. As an upright-growing plant, it is a great choice for shade gardens, borders, and containers. 

Key Characteristics

• Foliage: The leaves are broadly ovate (egg-shaped), cupped, and slightly wavy, featuring a green center with creamy yellow to white margins.
• Size & Habit: It has a medium growth rate and a mound-like growing habit. Specific mature dimensions are not widely published in available sources, but hostas in general range from 2 to 36 inches in height and 4 to 60 inches in width.
• Flowers: The plant produces flowers on scapes, but they are not fragrant. The primary interest of this variety, like most hostas, is its attractive foliage.
• Hardiness: It is a hardy perennial, typically grown in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. 

Care and Growing Conditions

• Light: 'Giggling Greta' performs best in a location with partial shade to full shade, though it can tolerate some morning sun as long as adequate moisture is provided. Full afternoon sun should be avoided to prevent leaf scorching.
• Soil: It grows best in rich, moist, organic, and well-drained soils. Heavy clay soils should be amended to improve drainage.
• Watering: Consistent moisture is vital, especially during the first growing season. Water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry and avoid encouraging slugs and diseases.
• Maintenance: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to keep the plant looking tidy. Cut back the dying foliage in late fall after a hard freeze to help control pests and diseases overwintering in the debris. Watch out for slugs, snails, deer, and rabbits, which are common hosta pests.