Guacamole Hosta

Light Needs

Full Shade to Full Sun

(Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions)

Mature Height

2 Feet

Mature Spread

4 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Guacamole Hosta, or Hosta ‘Guacamole’ is a large variety of hosta with thick, oval, variegated foliage that has brilliant chartreuse edges and a soft, light-green to yellow center. The contrast between the bright green leaf edges and lime to gold center is reminiscent of an avocado, lending this unique hosta its “guacamole” name. These colors become more bright and defined as the season progresses. Tall, foot-long stalks appear in early august, bearing blooms with aromatic, lavender-to-white, fluted flowers. The Guacamole Hosta stands 28 to 32 inches tall with a wider spread of 42 to 28 inches. 

Bred by Hand Picked For You, and named 2002’s Hosta of the Year by the American Hosta Growers, the Guacamole Hosta later received the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit in 2012. The Guacamole Hosta has a dense, mounding habit that spreads without division, and is one of the most popular varieties of Hostas in North America. They are susceptible to slugs and snails and should be watered in the mornings to avoid overnight damage. You may need to set a slug trap to protect your delicate, growing hosta.

Guacamole Hosta Care

Guacamole Hostas are hardy and can survive a firm frost, surging back to life each spring. They grow best in nutrient-rich, slightly acidic soil that is consistently moist but has good-drainage. Unlike other hostas, the Guacamole prefers full to partial sun, although it can tolerate some shade so long as it remains between 4 to 6 hours. 

They are dormant during the winter, and will die back until the following growing season. Do not cut back your hosta until late autumn. This will help with overwintering pests and encourage new growth in the spring. 

Guacamole Hosta Spacing

Guacamole Hostas should be spaced 2 to 3 feet apart from center to center when they are grown in containers. If you add them to an outdoor garden, the spacing should be an additional foot apart. Hostas can be paired with Allium, Coral Bells, Begonias, and even Hydrangeas.

Hostas are excellent container plants and can be grown in pots or containers with good drainage.