Hosta var 'Wild Imagination'

Hosta spp. 'Wild Imagination'

Asparagaceae 

• Part shade to full shade (4 hours or less sun)
• 22" tall x 48-54" wide
• Drought Tolerant: Moderate (prefers consistent moisture)
• Evergreen: No (herbaceous perennial, dies back in winter)
• Flower Color: Purple, blooms mid-summer
• Wildlife Benefits: Attracts hummingbirds; slug resistant

Hosta 'Wild Imagination' is a totally unique and captivating large hosta that truly lives up to its imaginative name. This distinctive cultivar forms a substantial, upright, mounding clump that creates bold presence in shade gardens. The plant thrives in part shade to full shade conditions with average to consistent moisture and performs best in moist, well-drained, organically rich soil. Like most hostas, 'Wild Imagination' benefits from regular watering during establishment and dry periods, though it should not be allowed to sit in waterlogged soil. The plant exhibits medium growth rate and will develop into a substantial specimen over several growing seasons. This is an easy-to-grow perennial that adapts well to a variety of shade garden conditions.

The foliage of 'Wild Imagination' is absolutely extraordinary and unlike any other hosta. The leaves are narrow, twisted, and dramatically ruffled with an almost wild, untamed appearance. The blue-green foliage creates a cool, refreshing focal point in the shade garden with leaves that appear to spiral and dance. This is exceptionally large for a strap-leaf hosta, with the twisted form creating remarkable textural interest and movement in the landscape. The leaves are thick with good substance, providing natural resistance to slug damage. In mid-summer, tall purple flower stalks rise 17-36 inches above the foliage, adding vertical interest and providing nectar for hummingbirds. The flowers are held attractively on proportionate scapes that complement the bold architectural foliage.

The tall flower scapes provide nectar for hummingbirds during the summer blooming period. The thick leaves and unique twisted form make this cultivar more slug resistant than thin-leaved varieties. 'Wild Imagination' adds a touch of whimsy and intrigue to shade gardens with its wild, untamed appearance. The substantial size makes it an excellent specimen plant where it can serve as a dramatic focal point. This cultivar is particularly valued for its unique form that breaks away from traditional hosta appearance, offering gardeners something truly different. The plant is relatively low maintenance once established and provides season-long interest with its distinctive architectural foliage.

'Wild Imagination' is perfect as a bold specimen plant in shade gardens and woodland settings where its unique form can be appreciated. Use it at the back of shade borders to provide dramatic backdrop and textural contrast. The substantial size makes it excellent for filling large spaces under mature trees or along shaded foundations. Plant with finer-textured shade perennials like ferns, Astilbe, and smaller hostas to create striking textural diversity. Combine with broad-leaved hostas, Heuchera, and Brunnera for varied foliage effects. The twisted leaves create wonderful movement and add dynamic interest to static shade gardens. This cultivar works beautifully in containers where its wild form can be showcased, and in woodland gardens where it brings an element of natural chaos and beauty.