American Hosta Growers' Association Hosta of the Year 2006
'Stained Glass' Plantain Lily, a fragrant variety, is an herbaceous rhizomatous perennial that captivates with three seasons of interest. Prized for its dramatic ornamental foliage, 'Stained Glass' boasts huge, broad, heart-shaped leaves featuring a bright golden-yellow center and dark green margins. The leaves are adorned with prominent veining, creating a stained-glass window effect that intensifies with more sun, which also brings out additional golden tones. Late summer brings large, fragrant, pale lavender (almost white) flowers on long 30-inch scapes, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds and making delightful additions to floral arrangements.
Belonging to the Hosta genus, commonly known as hosta or plantain lily, 'Stained Glass' is a sport of the highly popular variety 'Guacamole'. It has a mounding habit and a rapid growth rate. It shows its variegation earlier in spring than most and maintains a much brighter gold color throughout the season. As with all fragrant hostas, the species Hosta plantaginea is in its lineage. This highly versatile plant is showcased best when grouped or massed in beds and borders, but it also shines as a lovely specimen or container plant and makes a charming edging.
Hosta tolerates cold, grows and adapts easily, and requires almost no maintenance. It thrives in partly sunny to shady locations with humus-rich, moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7.5. While some morning or dappled sun can enhance leaf color, excessive sun exposure can be detrimental. During the growing season, hosta demands consistent moisture and should never be allowed to fully dry out.
