Hosta Hosta 'Delta Dawn' (v)
ABOUT
Hosta 'Delta Dawn' is a variegated perennial often admired for its decorative foliage. The leaves are distinctively heart-shaped with a pointed tip, showing off a gorgeous display of color. The center of each leaf typically presents a bright gold or a light green hue, which gradually blends outwards into a green margin. This margin can vary in shade, from deep green to a softer blue-green, depending on the maturity of the plant and its environmental conditions. The variegation is not uniform and can feature streaks or patches of different colors, creating a vibrant and textured appearance. Each leaf has a slightly rippled edge, which adds to the visual interest of this hosta variety. In the right season, it produces delicate flowers that rise on stems above the clump of leaves, reaching upward in a display that complements its stunning foliage. The flowers are usually lavender or pale purple, hanging bell-like on the stalk and providing additional ornamental value. As with many hostas, 'Delta Dawn' exhibits a lush, mounded habit with the leaves arranged in a layered, overlapping fashion, giving it a full and robust presence in the garden. This plant can serve as an excellent ground cover or as a feature in a shaded border garden, where its dramatic leaves can contrast beautifully with surrounding plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Hosta 'Delta Dawn'
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas, including the Hosta 'Delta Dawn' variety, are not highly toxic to humans. However, if ingested in large quantities, they can cause mild stomach upset, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's important to teach children not to eat plants due to the potential for more serious reactions in susceptible individuals and the risk of mixing up edible and non-edible varieties.
To pets
Hostas are toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If your pet consumes any part of a hosta plant, it can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. In more severe cases, the ingestion of hostas could cause complications, leading to more serious signs like abdominal pain. If you suspect your pet has ingested hosta, immediate veterinary attention is recommended to manage the symptoms and prevent more serious health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1 foot 2 feet [30 cm 60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to care for: Hosta 'Delta Dawn' is a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Shade tolerance: The plant thrives in shady areas where other plants may struggle to grow.
- Visual interest: With its variegated leaves, Hosta 'Delta Dawn' adds texture and color to garden spaces.
- Drought resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought with less frequent watering.
- Long lifespan: Hostas are perennial plants, allowing them to come back year after year with proper care.
- Slugs resistance: 'Delta Dawn' is said to be more resistant to slugs than many other hosta varieties.
- Soil adaptability: It can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions, though it prefers moist, well-drained soils.
- Seasonal variety: Hosta 'Delta Dawn' provides different looks as the seasons change, with new growth in spring, flowers in summer, and foliage in autumn.
- Ground cover: This plant can be used as an effective ground cover, filling in spaces and suppressing weeds.
- Landscape design: Its distinctive foliage makes Hosta 'Delta Dawn' an excellent choice for borders, woodland gardens, and container gardening.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye source: The leaves of the Hosta can be used to produce a green dye for coloring fabrics or yarns.
- In aquascaping: Hosta leaves can be incorporated into underwater designs in aquariums to create a natural backdrop.
- As compost material: Hosta leaves decay quickly and can be added to compost bins as green matter to help create nutrient-rich soil.
- For slug control education: Gardeners can use Hosta plants to demonstrate natural methods of controlling slug populations without the use of chemicals.
- In floral arrangements: Hosta leaves can be used as a lush, green filler in cut flower arrangements, providing shape and volume.
- As a natural cooling element: Planting Hostas around seating areas can provide a cooler microclimate in the heat of the summer due to their broad leaves.
- For miniature gardens: Dwarf varieties of Hosta can be utilized in creating fairy or miniature gardens for both indoor and outdoor displays.
- As an educational tool: Hostas can be used to teach principles of shade gardening and variegated foliage in horticultural classes.
- In crafting: Pressed or dried Hosta leaves can be used in various crafts, such as in the making of bookmarks or greeting cards.
- For seasonal decoration: Hosta leaves can be used in fall decor arrangements, contrasting with bright autumnal colors.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hosta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Hosta 'Delta Dawn,' generally known as the Hosta plant, is robust and can thrive in various conditions, representing an ability to persevere and adapt.
- Heartiness: With its lush foliage, the Hosta symbolizes abundant life and vitality, reflecting a capacity for growth and heartiness.
- Shelter: Often found in shaded or semi-shaded areas, Hostas can signify protection and refuge, offering a safe haven for smaller creatures in the garden.
- Endurance: The plant's perennial nature allows it to return year after year, thus representing enduring presence and long-lasting relationships.
- Devotion: Due to its perennial nature and the way it grows more substantial over time, the Hosta can symbolize dedication and consistent care.
WaterHostas, including 'Delta Dawn', prefer consistently moist soil, so it’s essential to water them deeply once a week with about one gallon of water per plant. During hot or dry periods, you may need to water them more frequently, possibly twice a week, to maintain the moisture level. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. Early morning is the best time to water Hostas to allow any excess moisture on the leaves to evaporate with the sun. If rain is plentiful, you can adjust your watering schedule accordingly, but if the week is dry, be sure to provide that gallon of water to keep them thriving.
LightHostas, including 'Delta Dawn', thrive in partial to full shade. The best spot for them is where they can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, as intense afternoon sun can scorch their leaves. They can handle some more light if it's filtered, like beneath the canopy of open-branched trees, but direct, hot sunlight should be avoided to prevent damage.
TemperatureHostas, including 'Delta Dawn', are hardy and can survive a range of temperatures, but they grow optimally in conditions between 50°F and 80°F. They can generally tolerate temperatures down to 30°F without damage, but when temperatures dip below freezing, they will go dormant. Excessive heat above 90°F, especially with humidity, can cause stress to the plant, so it's best to give them protection during the heat of the day.
PruningHostas such as 'Delta Dawn' don't require extensive pruning but removing dead or yellowing leaves throughout the growing season can help maintain their appearance and health. Pruning in early spring or late fall is ideal, as this is when you can remove any spent foliage from the previous season. Cut the foliage down to the base in fall after it has died back, making way for new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHostas thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. A good soil mix for Hosta 'Delta Dawn' should contain equal parts of loamy soil, peat moss, and perlite or fine bark to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingHostas, including 'Delta Dawn', generally need repotting every 3 to 5 years. They should be repotted when they become root-bound or when the soil quality deteriorates.
Humidity & MistingHostas like 'Delta Dawn' prefer average to high humidity levels but are quite adaptable. Aim to maintain around 50% relative humidity for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Hosta 'Delta Dawn' in bright, indirect light with moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant Hosta 'Delta Dawn' in partial shade and moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHosta 'Delta Dawn', commonly known as Hosta or Plantain Lily, starts its life as a dormant rhizome or division, which is typically planted in the spring. As the soil warms, new growth emerges from the rhizome in the form of shoots and leaves, establishing the plant's foliage which can display a variegation dependent on the cultivar. During late spring to summer, the Hosta enters its flowering stage, sending up taller stalks that bear bell-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers, which can attract pollinators such as bees. After blooming, seed pods may develop, but propagation is more commonly achieved through vegetative division of the plant's clump in either spring or fall. As autumn approaches, the leaves begin to die back as the plant enters dormancy, conserving its energy within the rhizome through the winter. With the return of warmer temperatures the next spring, the cycle recommences as new growth sprouts from the surviving rhizome.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Hosta 'Delta Dawn', commonly known as hosta, is best propagated through division, which is most successfully done 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 with a garden fork or shovel, aiming to keep the root system intact. Wash or shake off excess soil to better see the crowns and roots. Using a sharp knife or spade, 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, spacing them at least a foot (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth, and water them thoroughly. This method encourages a high success rate, as divisions will often quickly establish themselves and continue to grow, producing mature plants faster than other propagation methods.
