Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Stained Glass Hosta: Glowing Gold Panes and Fragrant August Flowers
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Stained Glass hosta has large, glossy leaves about 10½ inches long in brilliant gold, framed by wide dark green margins. Prominent, evenly spaced veins divide the gold into panels, which is where the stained-glass name comes from. In August, large, fragrant, pale lavender trumpets open on 30-inch scapes, a sweet scent inherited from the August lily side of its family.
It holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit and was a Hosta of the Year, and it tolerates more sun than many hostas. Even so, it wants richer, moister soil than lavender, so give it a separate bed.
Stained Glass at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Hosta 'Stained Glass' |
| Foliage | Brilliant gold with wide dark green margins, glossy |
| Flowers | Pale lavender trumpets on 30-inch scapes, fragrant |
| Size | About 15 inches tall, 4 feet wide |
| Bloom | Early to mid-August |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 9 |
| Light | Part sun to full shade; tolerates some morning sun |
| Wildlife | Great for pollinators; deer find it tasty |
A bridge between sun and shade
Because Stained Glass handles some sun, it is a good choice for the transition zone between a sunny lavender bed and a fully shaded garden, such as the east side of a house that gets bright morning light and afternoon shade. Morning sun actually brightens the gold. Pair it there with daylilies and astilbe, which share its taste for richer, moister soil, while lavender stays on the hot, dry side.
Its pale lavender, fragrant flowers in August are a lovely echo of the lavender bed, arriving just as lavender's main bloom has passed. At four feet wide, one plant makes a bright focal point; several make a bold mass planting. It also works in a large container. Plan the zones with the Companion Plant Planner.
Care notes
- Sun: in fuller sun it needs steady moisture to avoid leaf scorch in hot spells.
- Soil and water: rich, evenly moist and well drained. Water during dry spells.
- After bloom: remove spent scapes.
- Pests and disease: slugs chew holes in long wet spells; discard any plant with mottled, streaked leaves, a sign of hosta virus; watch for crown rot in hot, wet weather.
- Fall: cut the large leaves down after a hard frost and avoid heavy, wet mulch over the crown.
- Spring: divide crowded clumps as shoots emerge.
Two tray sizes
Stained Glass is offered as a 72-cell plug tray and a deep 20-cell plug tray. Choose the 72-cell tray for mass plantings and growers, or the 20-cell tray for fewer, larger plugs that size up faster. See each product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Can Stained Glass grow in full sun?
It takes more sun than most hostas, but in full sun it needs steady moisture. Morning sun with afternoon shade is the sweet spot.
Are the flowers really fragrant?
Yes. The pale lavender trumpets have a sweet fragrance, unusual among hostas.
Is it safe for pets?
Hosta foliage is listed as toxic to dogs and cats, so keep it away from pets that chew.
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