Description
Guacamole hosta is a large, mounding shade perennial with broad, deeply veined leaves that show bright chartreuse to light green centers edged in darker green. Mature clumps can grow about 1–2 feet tall and spread 3–4 feet wide. Fragrant, pale flowers rise above the foliage in late summer, drawing visiting pollinators. Its bold leaves make a beautiful accent beneath trees or along a shaded walkway.
In Alabama, choose a site with morning light or filtered shade and protection from hot afternoon sun. Plant in organic-rich, well-drained soil that holds some moisture, and water deeply during dry periods, especially while establishing. Mulch around the plant to moderate soil temperatures, keeping mulch away from the crown. Remove spent flower stalks and tidy dead leaves after frost. Hostas are winter-dormant and return in spring; Guacamole is commonly listed for USDA Zones 3–8, so the hottest parts of the Southeast need especially careful shade and moisture management.
