Hosta ‘Marilyn Monroe’ is a distinct and popular variety of hosta, celebrated for its unique aesthetic in shaded garden spaces. Its appealing form and foliage make it a favored choice among gardeners.
Distinctive Features
Hosta ‘Marilyn Monroe’ is known for its heart-shaped leaves, which feature strikingly ruffled or pie-crusted margins. These green leaves often display a silver or waxy-white underside, visible due to their unique twisting and folding habit. This characteristic movement of the foliage, combined with the red petioles (leaf stalks), evokes the image of a flowing skirt, inspiring the cultivar’s name.
The leaves possess a thick substance, contributing to their durability and visual appeal. This hosta forms a medium-sized mound, typically reaching about 17 inches in height and spreading up to 36 inches wide at maturity. In late summer, delicate lavender flowers emerge on arching red scapes, adding another layer of beauty to the plant.
Cultivation and Care
Hosta ‘Marilyn Monroe’ thrives in light to partial shade, where it receives shelter from intense afternoon sun. Direct, hot sunlight can cause leaf burn, particularly in warmer climates. It grows best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Avoid arid or overly wet conditions.
Consistent moisture is important for optimal growth, especially during the growing season. Watering should be deep and regular, ensuring the roots receive adequate hydration without becoming waterlogged. Plants in containers may require more frequent watering due to faster drying. Water is best applied directly to the roots, as overhead watering can damage the leaves and potentially attract slugs and snails.
Fertilizing hostas supports their vigor and foliage development. Apply fertilizer in early spring, just as new leaves begin to emerge from the ground. A slow-release granular fertilizer, such as a balanced 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 blend, works well for this initial application. For established plants, a second application can be beneficial in mid-summer, after blooming, to replenish nutrients. Avoid fertilizing after late summer, as this can stimulate tender new growth susceptible to frost damage.
Planting and Garden Placement
The optimal time to plant Hosta ‘Marilyn Monroe’ is typically in the spring or fall. When planting, ensure adequate spacing to accommodate its mature size, which can reach up to 36 inches in width. This allows for proper air circulation and prevents overcrowding as the plant matures over two to five years.
This hosta is well-suited for shade gardens, borders, and as a specimen plant where its unique foliage can be admired. It also performs well in containers, useful for gardeners in colder zones (3a-8b) where potted plants might need winter protection. Companion plants that complement its appearance include other shade-loving perennials, creating a layered and textured garden design.
Addressing Common Challenges
Hosta ‘Marilyn Monroe’, like other hostas, can encounter certain challenges, with slugs and snails being common pests. These mollusks feed on the leaves, leaving irregular holes. To deter them, gardeners can employ various strategies, such as maintaining a clean garden area by removing debris where pests hide.
Physical barriers like crushed eggshells, coarse grit, or copper tape around plants can also be effective, as slugs dislike navigating these surfaces or react to the copper. Watering in the morning helps ensure leaves are dry by evening, reducing the moist conditions slugs prefer. Natural predators like frogs, toads, and birds can also help manage slug populations.
While hostas are generally robust, they can be susceptible to diseases such as Hosta Virus X (HVX), which causes discoloration, mottling, or distorted growth. Inspect new plants for signs of disease before introducing them to the garden, as there is no cure for HVX, and infected plants should be removed to prevent spread.
Another potential issue is anthracnose, a fungal disease that can cause spots on leaves. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering helps prevent fungal issues. Environmental stressors like prolonged drought can lead to wilting or browning of leaf margins, necessitating consistent watering during dry periods. Frost damage can occur to tender new growth if late frosts arrive after the plant has emerged in spring.