Hosta 'First Frost' Plantain Lily

Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit 2012

American Hosta Growers' Association Hosta of the Year 2010

The enchanting Hosta 'First Frost', a perennial marvel designed to captivate your garden across three glorious seasons. Renowned for its breathtaking variegated foliage, this plant holds its leaves in stunning display until the arrival of the first frost in fall. A delightful offspring of 'Halcyon', Hosta 'First Frost' boasts broad, heart-shaped leaves in a striking bright blue-green hue, gradually fading to a creamy white as the season progresses. As spring unfurls, these leaves emerge with a captivating irregular gold margin, transitioning into pure white, evoking a serene ambiance in your shade garden. Adding to its appeal are funnel-shaped light lavender flowers, delicately adorning long 28-inch scapes in midsummer, drawing in delightful visits from butterflies and hummingbirds, while also serving as elegant enhancements to floral arrangements.

As a hybrid of Hosta, also known as plantain lily, Hosta 'First Frost' presents as a rhizomatous plant with a symmetrical, mounding habit and a moderate growth rate. This versatile beauty shines brightest when clustered in beds and borders, yet it equally flourishes as a charming specimen or container plant, as well as a refined edging choice. For a truly stunning effect, consider mass planting 'First Frost' to create a breathtaking focal point in your garden.

Thriving in cold-hardy conditions, Hosta 'First Frost' is a breeze to cultivate, requiring minimal upkeep and showcasing remarkable adaptability. Ideal environments include dappled to full shade spots with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil boasting an acidic to neutral pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. While it tolerates morning sun, which enhances the vibrancy of its leaves, afternoon sun exposure, particularly in hot climates, should be avoided as it can prove detrimental. Maintaining slight soil moisture between waterings fosters robust root development throughout the growing season, ensuring this beauty remains vibrant and healthy. Mulching aids in moisture retention and guards against winter heaving. A light application of slow-release fertilizer (20-10-20) in early spring provides a beneficial boost, promoting lush foliage and abundant blooms.

Debuting in 2002 through the efforts of Patricia Scolnik and B. Solberg, Hosta 'First Frost' has garnered widespread acclaim nationwide, earning its rightful place in the esteemed Designer Hosta™ Collection for its remarkable adaptability across diverse climates and conditions. So, whether you're seeking the perfect 'first frost hosta', a stunning 'first frost hosta plant', or simply the unparalleled beauty of 'hosta first frost', this exceptional plant is sure to exceed your expectations.

Shade garden stunners, hostas are low-maintenance perennials. Known for their variety of leaf colors and sizes, you can plant an entire shade garden using only hostas. Find tips for planting and maintenance in our Hosta Care Guide.