Guacamole Hosta Hosta 'Guacamole' (v)
ABOUT
Hosta 'Guacamole' is a visually striking perennial plant known for its unique foliage, which is the most noted feature. Its leaves are large and heart-shaped, showcasing a color palette that resonates with the name 'Guacamole'. The base color of the leaves is a vibrant, avocado-green, and they display prominent variegation with darker green margins. This combination gives a lush and rich appearance that can remind one of the creamy texture of guacamole. As the plant matures through the season, the leaves may develop more chartreuse or yellow tones, further enhancing the variegated effect. The texture of the leaves is also noteworthy; they typically exhibit a slightly puckered or seersucker surface which catches the light, adding depth and interest to the foliage. In addition to its leaves, Hosta 'Guacamole' produces tall stalks that bear clusters of bell-shaped flowers. These flowers are often a soft, lavender or white hue and add a vertical accent to the plant's already attractive mounding foliage. The flowers can also attract hummingbirds and bees to the garden. The overall appearance of Hosta 'Guacamole' is lush and tropical, which can add a dramatic flair to shady garden areas where this plant is mostly found thriving.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Guacamole Hosta, Avocado Hosta, Funkia, Plantain Lily
Common names
Hosta 'Guacamole'
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas, including the Hosta 'Guacamole', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. While they aren't usually intended for consumption, accidental ingestion is unlikely to cause more than mild stomach upset in most individuals. Of course, any plant material can cause a reaction in sensitive individuals, but significant toxicity in humans from hostas is rare.
To pets
Hostas, including the Hosta 'Guacamole', are known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If ingested, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. The plant contains saponins, which are the toxic compounds responsible for these symptoms. If you suspect your pet has ingested hostas, it is important to contact a veterinarian to obtain the best guidance for treatment.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Northeast Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow - Hosta 'Guacamole' is known for being low-maintenance, making it suitable for a wide range of gardeners.
- Shade tolerance - This plant thrives in shady areas where other plants might struggle, perfect for filling in dark spots in the garden.
- Drought-resistant - Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, making it a good choice in water conservation landscapes.
- Attractive foliage - It offers vibrant green leaves with a unique texture that can add aesthetic appeal to any garden space.
- Variegated leaves - The leaves feature a mix of colors that can brighten up shady spaces with their variegation.
- Flower production - While mainly grown for its foliage, Hosta 'Guacamole' also produces beautiful flowers that can attract pollinators.
- Versatility - It can be used in a variety of garden styles, including formal, woodland, and container gardens.
- Ground cover - Its dense foliage makes it an effective ground cover, which can help reduce weed growth.
- Border plants - Their size and shape make them excellent for creating borders and defining garden spaces.
- Seasonal interest - Hosta 'Guacamole' provides visual interest from spring to fall, with foliage and bloom cycles that add to the garden's seasonal dynamics.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hosta 'Guacamole' leaves can be used as natural platters to serve food at garden parties, enhancing the presentation with their lush green foliage.
- The sap from the stems can be used as a natural glue for minor repairs in artwork or crafts when immediate adhesion is not necessary.
- Leaves can be pressed into books or journals to create plant imprints for artistic purposes or as a hobby in botanical collections.
- Slugs and snails are attracted to Hostas, making the plant useful as a trap crop to protect more valuable plants in the garden.
- The fibrous roots can be used in survival situations to create improvised binding material for constructing shelters or tools.
- Hosta 'Guacamole' leaves can be used to create leaf molds for garden paths, creating textured steppers that mimic the leaf's shape.
- The large leaves can be used for practicing painting or stenciling techniques by artists or for children's leaf painting activities.
- In photography, the textured leaves can serve as a natural backdrop for macro photography or to highlight the contrast with smaller subjects.
- Harvested leaves can float in water bowls or birdbaths, providing landing pads and shelter for insects and small birds.
- The residual water that drips off the leaves after a rain can be collected and used for watering other indoor plants, taking advantage of its slight organic content.
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: Hostas are known for being hardy and able to thrive in various conditions, thus symbolizing resilience and the ability to endure through adversity.
- Adaptability: With their capability to grow in shade, Hostas represent adaptability and the versatility to flourish in different environments.
- Peace: The lush foliage and the calming green shades often associated with this plant can symbolize tranquility and peace.
- Devotion: As perennials that return each year, Hostas may symbolize devotion or loyalty, representing long-lasting relationships and commitments.
- Heartiness: Hostas can be a symbol of robust constitution and health due to their vigorous nature and ability to resist pests and diseases.
WaterHostas, commonly known as plantain lilies, require consistent moisture and should be watered deeply once a week, with about one gallon of water per each square yard of garden space. During periods of drought or extreme heat, watering frequency should be increased to twice a week. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as standing water can lead to root rot. It's best to water hostas in the morning to allow the plant leaves to dry out over the course of the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightPlantain lilies thrive in partial to full shade, making them excellent for garden spots that don't receive intense midday sun. Although Hosta 'Guacamole' can tolerate some morning sun, it is best grown in an area where it is protected from the harsh afternoon rays to prevent leaf scorch. A spot with dappled sunlight beneath trees or on the north side of a building is ideal for these plants.
TemperaturePlantain lilies prefer moderate temperatures and can grow successfully in a hardiness range from 3 to 9, roughly equating to minimum winter temperatures between -40 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. They require a period of winter dormancy with temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive during the growing season. Ideally, keep them in a location where summer temperatures range between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth.
PruningPruning plantain lilies is largely for aesthetic purposes and to remove spent or damaged foliage. Cut back the flower stalks after they have finished blooming to redirect the plant's energy into leaf and root development. In autumn, prune back all foliage after it turns yellow and dies back, which is often after the first frost. This helps to keep the area tidy and minimizes the risk of disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Hosta 'Guacamole', commonly known as 'Guacamole' Hosta, should be rich, well-draining, and have a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix consisting of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite can provide the necessary structure and nutrients. Adding compost or aged manure will increase the soil's fertility and improve moisture retention.
Repotting'Guacamole' Hostas typically do not need to be repotted often as they are outdoor perennial plants. However, if grown in containers, they should be repotted every few years or when they outgrow their current pot. Repot in the spring before the growing season begins, or in the fall after the growing season ends.
Humidity & Misting'Guacamole' Hosta plants thrive in average garden humidity levels. These plants do not require high humidity; consistent ambient outdoor humidity is generally sufficient for their growth. Avoid placing in excessively dry or arid conditions to maintain health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Guacamole' Hosta in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant 'Guacamole' Hosta in partial shade; enrich soil with organic matter.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycle'Guacamole' Hosta, commonly known as Hosta 'Guacamole', begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in the spring when soil temperatures warm. The germinated seed develops into a small seedling, which gradually establishes a root system and sends up shoots. As the hosta matures, it forms a clump of broad, ornamental leaves that spread out and gain the characteristic variegated green and gold coloring. Throughout the summer, it produces tall stalks with bell-shaped flowers that can attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After flowering, the plant may produce seeds, which can be dispersed to propagate new plants, though hostas are more often propagated by division. In autumn, the foliage dies back as the plant enters a period of dormancy over the winter, only to regrow from the crown the following spring, continuing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Hosta 'Guacamole', commonly known as Guacamole Hosta, is typically propagated by division. The best time to propagate this plant is in early spring or late summer. To propagate by division, the clump of the hosta should be gently dug up from the ground. Using a sharp knife or spade, the clump is then divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system. The divisions are replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were originally growing, watered thoroughly, and then allowed to establish themselves. This method maintains the variegation and other characteristics of the 'Guacamole' hosta.
