Hosta ‘Hanky Panky’ is a captivating perennial that brings striking visual interest to shaded garden spaces. This cultivar is popular for its unique foliage patterns and ever-changing leaf coloration, which evolves throughout the growing season.
Understanding Hosta ‘Hanky Panky’ Characteristics
Hosta ‘Hanky Panky’ is a sport of Hosta ‘Striptease’, known for its dramatic variegation. In spring, leaves emerge with dark green centers and pale lime-green edges, often separated by a narrow white thread. As summer progresses, the lime-green margins lighten to near-white, and the dark green center may develop a creamy yellow hue.
Mature plants reach 13 to 15 inches in height with a spread of 24 to 36 inches, forming a mounded habit. The ovate leaves measure about 7 inches long by 3 inches wide. Lavender flowers appear on upright scapes in midsummer, attracting hummingbirds.
Planting and Growing Hosta ‘Hanky Panky’
Hosta ‘Hanky Panky’ thrives in partial to full shade, ideally receiving morning sun to enhance its vibrant leaf colors. Avoiding direct afternoon sun is important, as intense sunlight can scorch leaves and cause marginal burning. A location with 4 to 6 hours of dappled sunlight daily is suitable.
It prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. An ideal soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.5. When preparing a new bed, cultivate the soil to a depth of 12 to 16 inches and incorporate about 6 inches of organic materials like compost or leaf mold to improve drainage and fertility.
Consistent watering is important, with a recommendation of at least one inch of water per week from rain or irrigation. During hot or dry periods, watering frequency may need to increase to ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not saturated. Deep watering encourages strong root development, and watering in the morning helps leaves dry before evening, reducing disease risk. Signs of insufficient water include wilting or browning leaf edges.
Hosta ‘Hanky Panky’ is not a heavy feeder. A balanced granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 5-10-5, can be applied in early spring as new growth emerges. A second application can follow six weeks later, and a mid-summer application may be applied. Stop fertilizing in late summer to prevent new, tender growth susceptible to frost damage. This hosta is hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 9, requiring a period of cold for dormancy.
Propagating Hosta ‘Hanky Panky’
The primary method for propagating Hosta ‘Hanky Panky’ is through division, as plants grown from seeds will not maintain its specific variegated characteristics. Division is best performed in early spring as new shoots emerge, or in early fall. To divide, carefully dig up the clump and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a portion of the root system and at least one ‘eye’ or growth bud.
Replant divisions promptly at the same depth as the original plant, ensuring the crown is not buried. Water thoroughly after replanting to settle the soil around the roots. Division can also help rejuvenate older, less vigorous clumps or manage variegation changes that may occur over time.
Troubleshooting Common Hosta ‘Hanky Panky’ Issues
A common concern for variegated hostas like ‘Hanky Panky’ is the potential for variegation changes or loss. The complex color patterns can sometimes revert to solid green, particularly if the plant receives too much or too little light. While some changes are natural as the season progresses, significant shifts may indicate environmental stress or a genetic reversion, which may require dividing the plant and removing any reverted sections.
Slugs and snails are frequent pests that cause irregular holes in hosta leaves, identified by slime trails. Non-chemical control methods include applying slug bait in early spring, maintaining a clean garden by removing leaf debris in late fall, and ensuring good air circulation around plants. Spreading coarse sand around the plants can also deter these pests. Deer can also be a problem as they enjoy eating hosta foliage, though repellents or physical barriers can help.
Hosta plants can experience diseases such as crown rot, especially in perpetually soggy soil, or fungal leaf spots. Ensuring well-drained soil and avoiding overwatering are important preventative measures. Removing infected leaves and maintaining good garden hygiene by clearing plant debris can help minimize disease spread. Leaf scorch, characterized by crispy, brown edges, often indicates too much direct sun exposure or insufficient watering.