Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Plantain Lily, Funkia

Description:

Deep green margins surround creamy white centers in spring that mature to light green then finally dark green in late summer; spikes of pale lavender flowers in mid to late summer; a whirlwind of change in the garden or border

Ornamental Features

Whirlwind Hosta features dainty spikes of lavender tubular flowers rising above the foliage from mid to late summer. Its attractive heart-shaped leaves remain light green in color with distinctive dark green edges and tinges of creamy white throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Whirlwind Hosta is a dense herbaceous perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Insects

Whirlwind Hosta is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Whirlwind Hosta will grow to be about 20 inches tall at maturity extending to 30 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 4 feet. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 3 feet apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.