Hosta 'Stained Glass'
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking fragrant, sun-tolerant foliage.
The Hosta 'Stained Glass' is a striking perennial prized for its vibrant gold foliage, intricately veined and edged with deep green. It graces the garden with large, highly scented, pale lavender flowers, earning it the Hosta of the Year award in 2006. This vigorous cultivar is remarkably sun-tolerant and thrives in various conditions, even under dense shade. Originating from East Asia, Hostas are known for their handsome foliage and elegant blooms. This plant is shipped as a bare-root crown, ready for spring planting, and is backed by a 1-year guarantee.
$16.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1695
/ 3083
#1695 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-42%
Below average
Mature Height
20
/ inches
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking dramatic visual interest in shaded areas
- Sensory garden enthusiasts who value aromatic floral displays
- Low-maintenance gardeners tired of battling common garden pests
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, full-sized landscape impact
- Owners of gardens with intense, direct afternoon sun exposure
- Busy gardeners living in regions prone to frequent summer droughts
Performance breakdown
Foliage Visual Impact
Striking gold and green variegation creates a high-contrast garden focal point.
Environmental Adaptability
Exceptional sun tolerance allows for placement in diverse landscape settings.
Fragrance Profile
Rarely found in hostas, the scented blooms add sensory depth.
Maintenance Ease
A vigorous grower that requires minimal intervention to thrive annually.
Hardiness Range
Broad zone compatibility makes this a reliable choice for most climates.
Pest Resistance
Lack of deer resistance necessitates protective measures in woodland gardens.
Key Specs
Mature Height
20 inches
Mature Spread
24 inches
USDA Hardiness Zones
3 to 9
Preferred Soil pH
Slightly acid
Recommended Planting Spacing
18 inches
Lifespan
Perennial
Water Needs
Medium
Warranty
1 year money-back guarantee
Features
- Shiny, gold foliage edged in dark green
- Highly scented, pale lavender flowers
- Sun tolerant and vigorous growth
- Low maintenance requirements
- Excellent for mass planting
- Resilient in various conditions
- Suitable for container growing
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly prize the Hosta Stained Glass for its spectacular aesthetic. Reviewers consistently praise the dramatic contrast between the luminous gold center and the deep green, textured margins, calling it a showstopper. Its variegation remains stable even with increased sun exposure. The plant demonstrates excellent vigor, establishing quickly and achieving impressive clump size rapidly. While some buyers initially noted the small size of the starter plant relative to the premium price, the consensus is that its stellar performance and reliable return quickly justify the investment. The superior quality of this perennial leads to high satisfaction and strong recommendations from dedicated gardeners.
Know before you buy
While many Hostas prefer deep shade, this cultivar is notably sun-tolerant. It performs best in partial shade, where its gold foliage can develop its signature vibrancy without scorching.
No, it is considered a low-maintenance perennial. Once established, it primarily requires consistent medium watering and minimal care to maintain its vigor.
Yes, 'Stained Glass' is well-suited for container gardening. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage and enough space to accommodate its mature spread of 24 inches.
Upon arrival, ensure the soil is slightly acidic and well-draining. Plant the crown at a depth where the eyes are just below the soil surface, spacing them about 18 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and growth.
No, this variety is not deer resistant. If you have deer in your area, you may need to use protective netting or repellent sprays to prevent them from grazing on the foliage.
This Hosta is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, making it capable of surviving a wide range of climates. As a perennial, it will go dormant in the winter and return in the spring.
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$16