Hosta ‘Amazone’ is a popular perennial that brings elegance to shaded garden spaces. Its attractive foliage makes it a favored choice for enhancing areas where other plants might struggle, creating a lush atmosphere.
Distinctive Features of Hosta Amazone
Hosta ‘Amazone’ has striking heart-shaped leaves, typically 6 inches long. The foliage features a creamy-white center that contrasts with wide, dark green margins, often flaming inward. As a medium-sized, clump-forming perennial, it reaches about 20 inches tall and spreads 26 inches wide. Delicate pale lavender flowers emerge on tall racemes above the foliage in mid to late summer.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Hosta ‘Amazone’ thrives in partial to full shade, benefiting from filtered or dappled sunlight. It tolerates some morning sun but needs protection from intense afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. This variety is more sun-tolerant than many other white-centered hostas.
It performs best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-6.5). A sandy soil composition is preferred over heavy clays for good aeration. Consistent moisture is important; the soil should remain moist but not waterlogged.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, especially during dry periods. During drought, a thorough watering session (about 30 minutes with drip irrigation or a sprinkler) can adequately soak the soil. Watering generously in late July through August can improve growth the following spring.
Hosta ‘Amazone’ is a light to moderate feeder. Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the soil before transplanting. For established plants, an annual application of organic granular fertilizer in the fall is effective. Avoid trapping fertilizer granules in leaf petioles to prevent leaf burn.
Remove discolored leaves and cut spent flower stems after blooming. In late fall to early winter, clear away dead foliage. Divide mature plants in early spring when sprouts appear or in late summer to maintain vigor.
Common Issues and Solutions
Pests
Slugs and snails are frequent pests, leaving irregular holes and shiny slime trails on foliage. Manage them by applying slug bait in early spring, handpicking, or thinning crowded plants for better air circulation. Deer browsing also causes ragged-edged leaves.
Hosta Virus X (HVX)
Hosta Virus X (HVX) is a concern, though symptoms vary. It spreads through infected plant material, so source plants from reputable growers who test for it. There is no cure; remove infected plants to prevent spread.
Leaf Spot Diseases
Leaf spot diseases, caused by fungi like Phyllosticta, appear as small, irregular brown to tan spots with darker borders. Remove affected leaves, apply copper-based fungicides if severe, and ensure proper plant spacing with adequate air circulation.
Fusarium Root and Crown Rot
Fusarium root and crown rot, a soil-borne fungal disease, causes leaves to yellow, wither, and die, often with black-brown decay at the stem base. Remove infected plants, including surrounding soil, and dispose of them properly to prevent further spread.
Using Hosta Amazone in Your Garden
Hosta ‘Amazone’ is versatile for garden designs. Its striking foliage makes it an excellent specimen plant or for mass plantings, creating lush groundcover in shaded areas. Pair it with other shade-loving perennials like Astilbe or Ligularia for textural and color contrasts.
Its moderate size also suits container planting, brightening patios. Use it for edging pathways, underplanting shrubs, or as part of a mixed border to enhance garden aesthetics.