The Trophy Wife Hosta

The Hosta 'The Trophy Wife' is a very large, fast-growing hosta known for its dramatic seasonal color changes, from brilliant yellow in spring to copper-gold, and finally to chartreuse by mid-summer. It is a striking specimen plant for the shade garden. 

Key Characteristics

• Size: It is a large to very large hosta, maturing to about 37 inches (94 cm) in height and 60 inches (152 cm) in width.
• Foliage: The leaves are characterized by a lightly corrugated texture, numerous deep veins, and a generous, ruffled or "piecrust" margin with twisted tips.
  Color Transformation: The foliage is brilliant yellow when it emerges in spring, develops a show-stopping copper color as it transitions, and becomes chartreuse or greener by mid-summer.
• Flowers: It produces fertile, lavender flowers on upright scapes in early summer.
• Growth Habit: It forms a tall, upright, and fast-growing clump.
• Hybridizer: It was hybridized by Bob Fox from Indiana and is a seedling of 'Blaze of Glory' x 'Komodo Dragon'. 
  

Care and Cultivation

• Light: It performs best in light shade to partial shade. The yellow color develops best with some morning sun, but it needs protection from the hot afternoon sun to prevent leaf burn.
• Soil: It thrives in rich, humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil. Adding organic matter like compost when planting improves soil structure and nutrient retention.
• Watering: Consistent moisture is essential, especially during the first one or two growing seasons to help it get established. Deeper, less frequent watering is better than shallow watering.
• Pests: While hostas in general are fairly disease resistant, slugs, snails, and deer can be a problem. Slug baits or repellents may be necessary.
• Hardiness Zone: It is hardy in zones 3 through 9