Hosta ‘Andrew’ is a highly sought-after cultivar, celebrated for its unique and striking variegation. This ornamental perennial captivates gardeners with its distinctive foliage, making it a popular choice among hosta enthusiasts. Its visual appeal adds significant texture and color to shaded garden spaces.
Identifying Hosta ‘Andrew’
Hosta ‘Andrew’ forms a medium to large, upright mound of leaves with corrugated, puckered, folded, and ruffled texture. Its distinguishing feature is the unique leaf variegation: glaucous blue-green margins frame a showy, wide, feathery white to creamy center. A lighter green zone often streaks between the central white and the blue-green margin, creating a tricolor effect.
This white coloring extends down the leaf petiole and up the flower scapes. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall with a 24 to 36-inch spread. In mid-summer, pale lavender flowers emerge on scapes above the foliage.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Hosta ‘Andrew’ thrives in partial to full shade, where it can display its vibrant colors. Excessive direct sunlight, especially during hot afternoon hours, can scorch leaves and fade variegation. Too much dense shade might reduce vigor and diminish coloring.
The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5) supports optimal growth. Consistent moisture is important, especially during dry periods, to prevent leaf browning and maintain lush foliage. Avoid waterlogging, as soggy conditions can lead to root rot. Hosta ‘Andrew’ is cold hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 9.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
For established plants, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring to encourage robust growth. Alternatively, incorporate compost or well-rotted manure for a natural nutrient boost. Mulching with organic material helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth.
Removing spent flower stalks (deadheading) redirects energy into foliage development rather than seed production, also contributing to a tidier appearance. Promptly removing diseased or damaged leaves helps maintain plant health and reduces potential issue spread.
Division can be used for propagation or revitalization, though ‘Andrew’ is slow-growing and does not require frequent division. Allow the plant to mature for several years before dividing to ensure each new section has sufficient “eyes” for healthy growth.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Slugs and snails are common pests that feed on hosta leaves, creating irregular holes and slime trails. To manage these pests, apply iron phosphate baits in early spring as new shoots emerge. Non-chemical methods like hand-picking, setting beer traps, or creating barriers with coarse materials are also effective.
Leaves turning brown or scorching often indicate too much direct sun or insufficient watering. Ensuring adequate shade and consistent moisture prevents this.
Yellowing leaves can signal overwatering, poor drainage, or a nutrient deficiency. Improving soil drainage and checking watering habits can resolve these issues.
Fungal diseases like anthracnose may appear as irregular spots on leaves, thriving in warm, wet conditions. Promoting good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can mitigate fungal problems.