Hosta ‘Sundance’ is a distinguished cultivar, cherished for its unique and appealing foliage. Its striking appearance, particularly its variegated leaves, draws attention and provides a focal point in landscapes.
Distinctive Features of Sundance Hosta
Sundance Hosta is recognized by its large, heart-shaped leaves that feature a notable variegation. The foliage is primarily dark green with a creamy white to golden yellow margin. The leaves also possess an attractive, coarse texture.
This plant typically forms a dense, mounded habit, reaching about 24 inches in height at maturity, with flower scapes extending up to 3 feet tall. It can spread up to 4 feet wide. In midsummer, dainty, bell-shaped lavender flowers emerge on tall stalks, rising above the lush foliage.
Cultivating and Caring for Sundance Hosta
Sundance Hosta performs well in both full sun and full shade. The margin color can shift with sun exposure; more shade often leads to a creamier variegation, while more sun may enhance golden tones. While it tolerates morning sun, intense afternoon sunlight should be avoided to prevent leaf scorch or discoloration. Filtered or dappled light is ideal for healthy growth.
Hostas prefer moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A pH range between 5.5 and 7.5 is suitable. Amending heavy clay soils with compost or well-rotted manure improves drainage and fertility.
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Newly planted hostas need more frequent watering until established. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, ensuring deep watering to encourage a robust root system, but avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. Watering early in the morning is beneficial.
Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring as leaves begin to emerge. Liquid fertilizers can also be used, applied every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth and attract pests. Very little nitrogen should be applied in the fall to allow plants to go dormant.
The best time to plant Sundance Hosta is in spring or early fall when soil temperatures are between 50°F and 65°F. Dig a hole about twice the width and depth of the root ball, ensuring the crown is at soil level or slightly above to prevent rot. Space individual plants approximately 3 feet apart to allow for their mature spread and provide good air circulation.
As an herbaceous perennial, Sundance Hosta will die back to the ground each winter, regrowing from its base in the spring. After the foliage dies back, usually after the first hard freeze, cutting back the spent leaves to the ground can help reduce overwintering sites for pests. A light layer of mulch can protect roots in colder climates, but it should not be mounded around the crown.
Managing Pests and Problems
Slugs and snails are common pests that cause irregular holes in hosta leaves and leave behind telltale slime trails. To manage them, consider using baited traps in early spring or after rainfall. Cleaning up garden debris and thinning crowded plants to improve air circulation can also reduce their habitat.
Hosta leaves can also be affected by environmental stresses like leaf scorch, appearing as browning along leaf margins, especially from too much direct sun. Ensuring the plant receives appropriate light conditions can prevent this. Additionally, crown rot can occur from overly wet conditions, causing leaves to yellow, become mushy at the base, and easily pull away from the plant. Proper watering and well-draining soil are important to avoid this issue.