Species hosta
Green leaves with brown stems.

hosta

Hosta 'Blonde Elf'

Hosta 'Blonde Elf' is a hardy, deciduous perennial that grows in clumps of spiky, variegated foliage. This particular hosta has bright, chartreuse leaves with a light yellow center and dark green edges. It reaches around 10 inches in height and a spread of 12 inches, making it great for smaller spaces. It is a low maintenance plant and perfect for adding color and contrast to shady gardens and wooded areas. Great for pollinators, and deer resistant, 'Blonde Elf' blooms in the summer with lavender flowers. It is an easygoing plant and perfect for novice gardeners.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Lavender Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Hosta 'Blonde Elf' prefers consistently moist soil and does best when watered thoroughly yet infrequently. During the growing season (spring and summer), water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely. In well-drained soil, this may mean watering every couple of days or so. In clay-heavy soil, watering every 4 days or so may be adequate. In damp or humid conditions, however, water less often to prevent root rot. During the winter months, let the soil dry out a little more, but never let it get bone dry. Watering only when the soil feels dry to the touch should be sufficient.

sunlight

Hosta 'Blonde Elf' is an attractive, shade-loving perennial with large, attractive, yellow-green variegated leaves. This plant species requires bright but indirect sunlight, which can be provided for approximately 4-to-6 hours per day. Ideally, the sunlight should be during the early morning and late afternoon, when the sun is less intense and the exposure is more indirect, to avoid too much direct sun exposure which would cause sunburn or scorching of the foliage. Hosta 'Blonde Elf' foliage also requires protection from hot afternoon sun. If planted in containers, ensure that the containers are protected from the afternoon sun.

pruning

For optimal health and growth, Hosta 'Blonde Elf' should be pruned once or twice a year. Prune in early spring or late summer, before new growth starts. Cut away any dead or damaged foliage to keep your Hosta 'Blonde Elf' looking its best. Be sure to remove any yellow, dead, or damaged leaves. Pruning should be done to encourage healthy and even growth, and to keep the leaves from becoming sparse or thin. You may also want to consider dividing your Hosta 'Blonde Elf' plants to keep them healthy. This can be done every 3 to 4 years. Again, do this in early spring or late summer.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Hosta 'Blonde Elf' typically starts flowering in late June or early July.

Hardiness Map