Hosta 'Silly String'

At first glance, you might think Hosta ‘Silly String’ is a grass, its wavy, slender blue leaves utterly distinct and atypical of its genus. This plant's delightful form ensures that ‘Silly String’ is a superb contrast plant in shade gardens and patio pots. The rugged, carefree perennials form a mounding fountain of foliage all season long. The foliage color shows the most blue in spring then shifts to blue-green as the season progresses. Light purple flowers hover above the leaves in midsummer adding another dimension to this unique treasure. PP 32,127

This genus of shade lovers has 70 species, all of them from China and Japan, and hybridizers have produced hundreds of exciting crosses. Hostas have many handsome leaf colorations and lavender or white Lily-like flowers on graceful stalks. Plants prefer a moist location, but we've had a mass planting thrive for more than 30 years under a row of Sugar Maples. (In the South and West, evenly moist soil is required.) Because Hostas are grown primarily for their foliage, we give the height of the leaves, not the flowers.

For more information on growing Hostas, click Growing Guide.