Hosta - First Frost
Best low-maintenance perennial for shade garden enthusiasts.
Discover the award-winning Hosta 'First Frost,' a standout perennial perfect for adding enduring beauty to your shade garden. Celebrated as Hosta of the Year in 2010, this plant features striking blue-green leaves with margins that transform from creamy-yellow to white. Delicate, pale-lavender trumpet flowers appear in mid-summer, attracting hummingbirds. Known for its resilience and ease of care, 'First Frost' maintains its vibrant foliage until the first frost. This offering includes three Hosta roots, ready to enhance your landscape with their unique charm and hardiness.
$19.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
16
/ 3091
#16 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-15%
Below average
USDA Hardiness Zones
39
/ -
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast foliage for shaded landscape areas
- Homeowners tired of battling slugs and snails in the garden
- Novice gardeners wanting low-maintenance plants for shady spots
Who should skip it
- Impatient landscapers looking for immediate, full-sized garden impact
- Gardeners with only hot, direct afternoon sun exposure
- People desiring year-round greenery in their outdoor garden beds
Performance breakdown
Foliage Longevity
Maintains striking color contrast well into the late autumn season.
Shade Adaptability
Thrives consistently in low-light environments where other perennials struggle.
Maintenance Effort
A low-touch perennial that requires minimal intervention for healthy growth.
Pollinator Appeal
Lavender blooms provide a reliable mid-summer nectar source for hummingbirds.
Climate Versatility
Wide hardiness range makes it suitable for diverse regional climates.
Visual Impact
Dynamic leaf margins create a sophisticated focal point in garden beds.
Key Specs
USDA Hardiness Zones
3-9
Mature Height
16 inches
Mature Spread
30 inches
Planting Depth
Crown 1 inch below soil line
Spacing Proximity
12-18 inches
Sunlight Requirement
Partial Shade to Full Shade
Bloom Season
Mid-Summer
Life Cycle
Perennial
Features
- Award-winning Hosta of the Year 2010.
- Variegated foliage with color-changing margins.
- Attractive pale-lavender trumpet flowers.
- Easy to grow and maintain.
- Hummingbird-attracting blooms.
- Vibrant foliage lasts until frost.
- Ideal for shade gardens.
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the exceptional quality of the Hosta 'First Frost' bare roots received. Reviewers consistently note the plants arrive large, healthy, and vigorous, establishing quickly with significant first season growth. The cultivar is highly valued for its stunning, stable variegation, featuring a crisp blue green center against creamy white margins, making it a garden standout. While the initial cost may be slightly premium, the superior quality assurance and reliable delivery of a robust, true to type perennial confirm this purchase is an excellent investment for dedicated gardeners seeking reliable, high impact shade plants.
Know before you buy
This Hosta thrives in partial to full shade. While it can handle some morning sun, it performs best when protected from the harsh afternoon heat, which can scorch its variegated leaves.
Plant the roots with the crown positioned about one inch below the soil surface. Ensure the soil is well-drained and space each plant 12 to 18 inches apart to allow room for its 30-inch mature spread.
Yes, the margins of the blue-green leaves begin as a creamy-yellow in the spring and gradually transition to a crisp white as the season progresses. The foliage remains vibrant and attractive right up until the first frost.
Yes, the pale-lavender trumpet flowers that bloom in mid-summer are known to attract hummingbirds. It is a great choice if you are looking to add pollinator-friendly interest to a shaded area.
Absolutely. 'First Frost' is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, making it a reliable perennial that can withstand a wide range of temperatures across most of the country.
At maturity, you can expect this Hosta to reach a height of approximately 16 inches with a spread of about 30 inches. Its groundcover growth habit makes it an excellent choice for filling in space under trees or along garden borders.
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$20