Hosta - Guacamole
Best shade-loving perennial for gardeners wanting fragrant blooms and hummingbird activity.
Discover the Hosta 'Guacamole', a celebrated 'Hosta of the Year' known for its exceptionally large, glossy apple-green leaves with darker edges. This variety offers superior sun tolerance, making it a versatile addition to any garden. In late summer, it graces your space with highly fragrant, flared lavender blooms atop striking 36-inch stems. As the flowers appear, the foliage beautifully transitions to a golden hue. A rapid grower, it's perfect for quickly enhancing shade gardens, and its blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds.
$19.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
726
/ 3183
#726 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-15%
Below average
Includes
3
/ Hosta Roots
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking fragrant, floral-scented summer blooms
- Landscapers wanting vibrant, high-contrast foliage in shaded spots
- Homeowners with partially sunny garden beds
Who should skip it
- Gardeners unwilling to manage slug and snail populations
- Small-space gardeners with limited planting area
- People desiring year-round evergreen garden interest
Performance breakdown
Sun Tolerance
Unusually resilient in brighter spots compared to typical shade-loving hostas.
Growth Rate
Establishes quickly to provide immediate visual impact in garden beds.
Fragrance Intensity
Delivers a noticeable, pleasant scent that elevates late summer evenings.
Pollinator Appeal
Highly effective at drawing hummingbirds into your outdoor living space.
Foliage Aesthetics
Striking color transition offers dynamic visual interest throughout the season.
Deer Resistance
Requires protective measures as local wildlife find these leaves quite tasty.
Key Specs
Includes
3 Hosta Roots
Hardiness Zones
3-9
Mature Height
18-20 inches
Mature Spread
26-28 inches / 3-4 ft.
Planting Depth
Crown 1/2" below soil line
Recommended Spacing
24-30 inches
Bloom Season
Late summer
Water Requirement
Moderate
Features
- Large, lustrous apple green leaves
- Superior sun tolerance for a Hosta
- Fragrant lavender blooms
- Foliage turns golden as flowers emerge
- Attracts hummingbirds
- Rapid grower for quick garden impact
- Ideal for shade gardens
- Striking 36" flower stems
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the 'Hosta Guacamole' for its exceptional quality and striking aesthetic. The bare roots establish quickly, reliably producing the signature large, cupped, apple green leaves that develop a beautiful golden center. Reviewers consistently note the plant's vigor and rapid growth, making it ideal for shade gardens. A major highlight is the midsummer display of highly fragrant, near white flowers, adding significant sensory appeal. Despite the typical wait for full maturity, the initial health of the supplied roots ensures minimal establishment problems. This Hosta is highly recommended for gardeners seeking a dependable, visually impactful, and fragrant shade perennial that truly lives up to its classic reputation.
Know before you buy
While most Hostas prefer deep shade, 'Guacamole' is known for its superior sun tolerance. It thrives in partial shade or areas with filtered light, though it will perform best when protected from the harsh afternoon sun.
Yes. The leaves start as a glossy apple-green with darker edges, but as the fragrant lavender flowers emerge in late summer, the foliage transitions to a beautiful golden hue.
To allow for its mature spread of 26 to 28 inches, we recommend spacing your Hosta roots about 24 to 30 inches apart. This ensures the plants have enough room to reach their full potential without overcrowding.
No, the Hosta 'Guacamole' is not considered deer resistant. If you have a high deer population in your area, you may need to use protective measures or plant them in a fenced-in garden space.
You should plant the roots so that the crown sits approximately 1/2 inch below the soil line. Planting too deep can hinder growth, while planting too shallow may expose the roots to drying out.
Yes, the fragrant lavender blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds. They are an excellent choice if you are looking to add more life and movement to your shade garden.
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