Marilyn Monroe Hosta

The 'Marilyn Monroe' Hosta is a medium-sized, shade-tolerant perennial known for its unique, ruffled, heart-shaped green leaves with a distinct white underside visible due to the plant's upright habit and twisting foliage. 

Key Characteristics

• Foliage: The heart-shaped leaves are medium to gray-green on top with a dramatic, waxy-white or silver underside and highly wavy, or "ruffled pie crust" margins. The leaves are held on attractive reddish petioles (leaf stalks). The name is inspired by how the leaves twist and fold, reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe's iconic flying skirt photo.
• Size: This is a medium-sized hosta, reaching a mature height of 12 to 17 inches and a width of 24 to 36 inches.
• Flowers: It produces lavender, tubular flowers on arching, reddish scapes (flower stalks) in late summer to early fall (July to October).
• Hardiness Zone: It is a hardy and long-lived perennial, suitable for USDA zones 3a through 8b.
• Uses: It is an excellent choice for woodland gardens, bedding or border plants, or as a specimen or container plant. 
  
  

Growing Conditions

• Exposure: The 'Marilyn Monroe' Hosta thrives in light or partial shade to full shade. Direct, hot afternoon sun can be detrimental to the leaves.
• Soil: It prefers average, rich, and well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist.
• Maintenance: Hostas are generally easy to grow. While the leaves are said to have some slug resistance due to their thick substance, some leaf damage should be expected, and deer find them delicious.