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Hosta is one of the best foliage plants for the shady landscape, as every gardener lacking abundant sun should know. With thousands of Hosta to choose from, however, and new cultivars developed every year it is difficult for the discerning gardener to find one with striking quality and outstanding performance. Luckily “Earth Angel” Hosta has finally floated down from heaven for just that purpose.
A mutation of the perennial favorite and formidable “Blue Angel”, “Earth Angel” Hosta comes to us via the efforts of the best Hosta breeder around, H. Hansen who introduced it in 2002. “Earth Angel” Hosta sports large, heavily ribbed, pointed, heart shaped leaves in a blue green color. Each leaf is 16 inches long by 12 inches wide with 16 vein pairs. A half to one inch wide, irregular margins of a creamy white or buttery yellow color edge the leaves making it practically glow in the dark, shady corners of the landscape. “Earth Angel” likes part to full shade, however, light shade intensifies the contrasting colors for an even better show.
Growing 30-35 inches high and 40 inches across “Earth Angel” makes an outstanding specimen plant perfect for foundation planting, the back of the border, inter-planted with large ferns, contrasting Hostas and other shade lovers or for containers. The stiff, heavy leaves stand up and stay off the forest floor for better slug resistance. If there is a problem with slugs in the first year after planting, a line of crushed and dried eggshells placed around the base of the plant will keep the Hosta safe. In subsequent years the leaves actually grow thicker and even more resistant to slugs making this extra effort unnecessary.
Pale lavender blue flowers stand nearly 4 feet high over the foliage in early to mid summer and last for weeks. Unlike blossoms of most Hosta these are glossy and very attractive somewhat like Hyacinths. “Earth Angel” is carefree requiring no dividing unless you would like to share it with friends once it is well established. It is rather sought after and a bit hard to find at times. It seems to get more popular every year. That may explain it getting the prestigious Hosta of the Year Award for 2009.
“Earth Angel” Hosta is hardy in zones 2-8 and loves a humus rich, moist soil but well draining. This plant is long lived and will beautify the shady landscape. Keep it in mind when shopping for a special plant that gives and gives without much fuss from the gardener.
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Author Bio Box: Glory Lennon
 For more amazing garden facts, a glimpse at an unfinished novel and amusing short stories visit http://www.helium.com/users/32782
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