Gold Edged Hosta Hosta fortunei var. aureomarginata (v)

Water

The Gold Edged Hosta should be watered deeply enough to saturate the root zone, with about 1 gallon of water per plant, once a week during the growing season. However, the frequency should be adjusted based on weather conditions; more frequent watering may be necessary during periods of drought or extreme heat. It’s important to avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases, so aim the water at the soil level. During the fall, reduce watering to help the plant harden off before the winter, and during winter, watering is typically unnecessary unless the ground is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil is well-draining.

Light

The Gold Edged Hosta thrives in partial to full shade. The best spot for this plant would be in an area that receives some morning sun but is protected from the harsh afternoon sun. Dappled sunlight, as found under the canopy of open-branched trees, is ideal. Avoid placing it in locations with prolonged direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.

Temperature

The ideal temperature conditions for the Gold Edged Hosta range between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to approximately 30 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Hostas generally prefer cooler climates and can be damaged by extreme heat, especially if coupled with direct sunlight.

Pruning

Pruning the Gold Edged Hosta primarily involves removing spent flower stalks and damaged or yellow leaves to maintain its aesthetic appearance and overall health. This can be done as needed throughout the growing season. The best time for a thorough cleanup is in the late fall or early spring, where all the dead foliage from the previous year can be cut back to ground level.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Gold Margin Hosta thrives in a well-draining, moist soil mix consisting of one part garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, to ensure optimal growth.

Repotting

Gold Margin Hosta should be repotted every three to five years or when it outgrows its current pot. These plants prefer being slightly root-bound, so frequent repotting is not necessary unless the soil has degraded or the roots have completely filled the pot.

Humidity & Misting

Gold Margin Hosta prefers moderate humidity levels, without the need for extremely high humidity. Maintaining natural ambient humidity typical of most living environments is usually adequate for these plants.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Gold Margin Hosta in bright, indirect light.

• Outdoor

  Plant in dappled shade, enrich soil, mulch, water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

Hosta fortunei var. aureomarginata, commonly known as Gold-Edged Hosta, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-drained soil in a shady area. After germination, seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants with a small rosette of leaves. As the hosta matures, it forms a larger clump with distinctive heart-shaped leaves that have gold or yellow margins, entering its vegetative growth stage. The plant reaches maturity when it starts to produce tall flower scapes in summer that bear lavender to white, bell-shaped flowers, attracting pollinators. After flowering, seeds form and are dispersed from the dried flower scapes, potentially propagating new plants. In the fall, the foliage dies back, and the hosta enters a period of dormancy during the winter, with rhizomes surviving underground until the cycle begins anew in spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Hosta fortunei var. aureomarginata, commonly known as Gold-Edged Hosta, is through division. This technique is best performed in the early spring or late fall when the plant is not actively growing. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire hosta clump, ensuring to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Using a sharp, clean shovel or knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 18 to 30 inches apart (45 to 76 centimeters), and water them thoroughly to help establish the newly divided plants.