{"product_id":"hosta-gold-standard","title":"Hosta 'Gold Standard'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eHosta 'Gold Standard'\u003c\/strong\u003e, a classic \u003cstrong\u003eplantain lily\u003c\/strong\u003e and one of the most loved variegated hostas ever raised, brings a glowing pool of gold to the shady garden. Its broad, heart-shaped leaves emerge fresh green in spring, then light up to luminous gold with a narrow green to blue-green margin as the season warms, forming a generous, weed-smothering clump. It is the definitive foliage perennial for lifting a dim corner and a superb companion to ferns, trees and other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-shade\"\u003eplants for shade\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrown for its bold foliage rather than its flowers, 'Gold Standard' is a deciduous, herbaceous perennial that dies back to a dormant crown each autumn and returns reliably every spring. Slender scapes of lily-like lavender flowers rise above the leaves in mid to late summer, a welcome draw for bees and other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003epollinators\u003c\/a\u003e. Fully hardy at RHS H7, it needs no winter protection and settles in for decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e partial shade is ideal, though this variety takes more sun than most, holding its gold best with a little gentle morning light.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e cool, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil enriched with plenty of leaf mould or garden compost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e a large hosta, reaching around 50 to 60 cm tall and spreading to 120 to 150 cm over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e fully hardy across the UK (RHS H7), dying back for winter and reshooting each spring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eFew plants earn their keep like a mature hosta. Use 'Gold Standard' to light up woodland edges and shaded \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border plants\u003c\/a\u003e schemes, or grow it in a large pot among your \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003eplants for pots\u003c\/a\u003e where the foliage can be admired up close. It pairs beautifully with the cool-toned \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hosta-chain-lightning\"\u003eHosta 'Chain Lightning'\u003c\/a\u003e and sits comfortably among the lush planting of our wider \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e range. Do keep an eye out for slugs and snails, which love hosta foliage, especially on soft spring growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlease note that hostas are toxic to cats, dogs and horses if eaten, so site them thoughtfully where pets graze. Every plant we supply is nursery-grown, carefully selected for a healthy crown and strong roots, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"11cm \/ 0.75L","offer_id":58089218572671,"sku":"HOSTGOLD11","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/goldstandard.jpg?v=1785940402","url":"https:\/\/growtropicals.com\/products\/hosta-gold-standard","provider":"GrowTropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}