Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Atlantis Hosta: Gold-Rimmed Leaves and Tall Spires to Cut
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Atlantis hosta has slightly rippled, pointed leaves in dark green with wide golden yellow margins, a broader edge than its parent that makes the whole plant more eye-catching. Over time it builds a majestic clump about 30 inches tall and nearly 6 feet across. In midsummer, pale lavender bells rise on stems about 45 inches tall, well above the leaves.
Atlantis at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Hosta 'Atlantis' |
| Foliage | Dark green, slightly rippled, wide golden yellow margins |
| Flowers | Pale lavender bells on stems about 45 inches tall |
| Size | About 30 inches tall, about 70 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early July, peaks mid-July |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 9 |
| Light | Part sun to part shade, full shade |
| Deer | Susceptible |
A specimen for the shady side
In a property built around lavender, the sunny beds get most of the attention. Atlantis gives the shade an anchor of its own. One clump, given room to reach full size under a tree or along the north side of a building, becomes a focal point of green and gold. Its tall lavender-colored spires in July even repeat the color of the lavender blooming out in the sun, so the two parts of the yard share a moment.
Hostas want shade and steady moisture, and lavender wants the opposite, so they never share soil. Pair Atlantis with ferns, astilbe or coral bells instead. Plan the shade bed in the Companion Plant Planner.
Cutting the flower spires
Unlike many hostas, Atlantis is noted as nice for cutting. Its long stems carry pale lavender bells high and clean above the foliage. Cut a few when the lowest bells have opened and the upper buds are still closed, and they will open in the vase. Add a variegated hosta leaf or two for a simple, shade-grown arrangement.
Care through the year
- Light: part to full shade, with protection from hot afternoon sun. Morning sun brightens the gold margins.
- Soil and water: evenly moist, humus-rich and well drained. Water in dry spells.
- Slugs: keep mulch thin near the crown.
- Fall: cut collapsed foliage down after hard frost.
- Spring: divide crowded clumps as new shoots appear.
Watch for deer, anthracnose and petiole rot, and destroy any plant with mottled or distorted leaves.
The plug tray
Atlantis comes as a 72-cell plug tray, suited to growers, landscapers and anyone potting up hostas to grow on. See the product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
How fast does it reach full size?
Large hostas take several seasons to mature. Expect a modest plant at first and a broad clump in a few years.
Can it take more sun?
Some morning sun is good for the gold margins. Hot afternoon sun can scorch the leaves.
Will deer eat it?
Deer find hostas tasty. Protect it in open, rural gardens.
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