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Hosta × 'Liberty'
liberty hosta
Garden hybrid; sport of {Hosta} 'Sagae'; genus native to Japan, Korea, and northeastern China
Overview
Hosta spp. × 'Liberty' is a large clumping perennial that grows 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) wide. It carries thick, corrugated leaves 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) long with a dark green center and very wide creamy-yellow to gold margins that broaden through the season; the margin opens creamy-yellow in spring and matures to gold by midsummer. Pale lavender bell-shaped flowers 1.5 inches (4 cm) long rise on 30-36 inch (75-90 cm) scapes in July. A sport of Hosta spp. 'Sagae', it was named 2012 Hosta of the Year by the American Hosta Growers Association. The foliage dies to the ground after the first hard frost, leaving a winter gap in year-round shade beds. The clump is slow to fill out, taking 4-6 years to mature. Slugs and snails are the main foliage pest, and deer browse the leaves. Morning sun of 2-4 hours deepens the gold margin, while afternoon sun scorches the leaves, so a spot with morning light and afternoon shade holds the color. All parts are toxic to dogs and cats because of saponins. Hardy in zones 3-8.
Native Range
Hosta spp. × 'Liberty' is a garden hybrid, a sport of Hosta spp. 'Sagae'. The genus Hosta spp. is native to Japan, Korea, and northeastern China.Suggested Uses
Grown in shade gardens, woodland borders, and containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L), spaced for a mature spread of 36-48 inches (90-120 cm). A large specimen for a shaded spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Foliage is toxic to pets, and the plant is hardy in zones 3-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years
Bloom Information
Pale lavender bell-shaped flowers 1.5 inches (4 cm) long open on 30-36 inch (75-90 cm) scapes in July for about 3 weeks. Hummingbirds visit them, though the foliage, not the flowers, is the main display.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale lavender, bell-shaped, 1.5 inches (4 cm) long, on 30-36 inch (75-90 cm) scapesFoliage Description
Dark green center with very wide creamy-yellow to gold margins that broaden through the season; thick, corrugated leaves 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) long; the margin opens creamy-yellow in spring and matures to gold by midsummerGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in partial to full shade with 2-4 hours of morning sun in rich, moist, well-drained soil at pH 6.0-7.0. Morning light deepens the gold margin, while afternoon sun scorches the leaves, so morning sun with afternoon shade holds the color. Slugs and snails are the main pest, and deer browse the foliage. The plant dies to the ground in winter and is slow to mature, taking 4-6 years to a full clump. All parts are toxic to dogs and cats. Hardy in zones 3-8.Pruning
Cut flower scapes at the base after bloom. Remove tattered foliage after the first hard frost or in early spring before new eyes emerge. Divide every 5-8 years in spring if the clump crowds.Pruning Schedule
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fallearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons