What's in a name? The Guacamole Hosta gets its name from its look-alike to the popular Mexican dip. Its golden leaves with dark blue-green edges remind us of guacamole's vibrant green and rough edges. This is why it's called Guacamole Hosta.
This Hosta is a sport of "Fragrant Bouquet" Hosta and was named Hosta of the Year in 2002. It's not just for its looks. There's more to this plant that makes it special. Let's explore the story behind this beloved plant and see why gardeners love it.
The Captivating Story Behind Guacamole Hosta's Name
The Guacamole Hosta has a fascinating story. It started as a genetic change of the Fragrant Bouquet hosta. Paul Aden registered it in 1982. The Fragrant Bouquet hosta came from mixing the Fascination and Fragrant Summer hostas, with a touch of plantaginea.
In 1998, the Fragrant Bouquet hosta was named Hosta of the Year. Then, its sport, the Guacamole Hosta, became Hosta of the Year in 2002. Its mix of green and yellow colors and fast growth made it popular.
The name "Guacamole" comes from its green and yellow look, like the dip. This fun name has made the Guacamole Hosta a favorite among gardeners and plant lovers. They love its unique and attractive look.
Now, the Guacamole Hosta is a top choice for gardens. Prices range from $11.58 for a 1-gallon plant to $27.89 for a 2-gallon one. It grows 18-24 inches tall and 3-4 feet wide, making it perfect for shaded gardens.
Guacamole Hosta: A Delightful Fusion of Flavor and Foliage
The Guacamole Hosta is a plant that catches the eye with its unique leaves. These leaves have golden centers and blue-green edges. They are shaped like a dome and have a shiny top and a soft, powdery bottom.
As the plant grows, the leaf centers turn lighter in the sun, adding to its beauty. This mix of colors and textures makes the Guacamole Hosta stand out. It can grow to be 1 to 2 feet tall, perfect for any shade garden.
This plant grows well and stays neat, forming a full, rounded shape. It does well in partial shade and is great for borders, foundation plantings, or containers. Its striking look is sure to be a highlight in any garden.
| Guacamole Hosta Features | Guacamole Hosta Appearance | Guacamole Hosta Growth Habit |
|---|---|---|
| Golden chartreuse leaves with blue-green margins | Glossy, waxy upper surface; glaucous underside | Compact, mounded shape; 1-2 feet tall |
| Leaves develop paler gold centers as season progresses | Slightly convex leaf shape | Tolerant of partial shade |
| Visually striking color combination and texture | - | Suitable for borders, foundations, and containers |
Tracing the Lineage: The Fragrant Bouquet Family Tree
The Guacamole Hosta comes from the Fragrant Bouquet hosta family. This family includes the Hosta of the Year winners Stained Glass (1999) and So Sweet (1996). The Fragrant Bouquet has also produced many sports and hybrids, like Miss Saigon and Fragrant Dream. These plants are known for their beautiful leaves and sweet-smelling flowers.
This family of Fragrant Bouquet hostas is well-known for its shade-loving plants. The Guacamole Hosta is part of this famous group. It continues the tradition of having great foliage and fragrant flowers that gardeners love.
| Fragrant Bouquet Hosta Family | Notable Cultivars |
|---|---|
| Guacamole Hosta | Stained Glass (1999 Hosta of the Year) So Sweet (1996 Hosta of the Year) |
| Fragrant Bouquet Sports and Hybrids | Miss Saigon Fragrant Dream Fragrant King Fragrant Surprise Frozen Margarita |
Guacamole Hosta's Distinctive Appearance
The Guacamole Hosta is known for its eye-catching leaves. They have a golden chartreuse color that turns deeper blue-green as they grow. This color mix creates a striking contrast, making the Guacamole Hosta a standout in shade gardens.
What makes the Guacamole Hosta special is its unique leaf shape and glossy leaves. The leaves have a special powdery texture on the underside. As the plant grows, the leaf centers turn lighter in color when they get sunlight, adding to its beauty.
The Guacamole Hosta's leaf color, leaf shape, and leaf texture make it a standout in gardens. Its distinct look is perfect for gardeners who want to add depth and interest to shaded spots.
| Guacamole Hosta Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Leaf Color | Golden chartreuse with deeper blue-green margins |
| Leaf Shape | Slightly convex |
| Leaf Texture | Glossy, waxy upper surface; glaucous (powdery) undersides |
Caring for Your Guacamole Hosta: Cultivation Tips
The Guacamole Hosta is a beautiful perennial that loves partial to full shade. It also prefers soil that drains well and is rich in nutrients. To help it grow well and keep its leaves bright, follow these important tips.
Make sure to water the Guacamole Hosta often, especially when it's dry. This plant needs regular water to stay healthy and grow big. It loves to have moist soil, which makes its leaves shiny and green.
In early spring, give the Guacamole Hosta a slow-release fertilizer. This gives it the nutrients it needs to grow strong and bloom in mid-summer. The fertilizer helps it produce beautiful, fragrant flowers.
When you need to divide the Guacamole Hosta, clean your tools first. This stops viruses from spreading and keeps the plant healthy.
With the right care, the Guacamole Hosta will be a standout in your shade garden. It adds a tropical feel to any outdoor space. It's a great choice for anyone wanting to add beauty and life to their garden.
Conclusion: Embracing the Guacamole Hosta's Allure
The Guacamole Hosta has become a favorite in shade gardens across the U.S. Its leaves look and feel like the popular dip, winning over many hosta fans. It's a sport of the Fragrant Bouquet hosta, so it grows well and has fragrant flowers too.
This plant is easy to care for and adds beauty to any shaded area. Its unique look and easy care make it a top choice for gardeners. Homeowners and designers love it for its versatility in gardens.
The Guacamole Hosta is winning over gardeners everywhere with its charm. Its lasting appeal and beauty will keep it a beloved garden plant for many years.
