'Whirlwind' is a medium size, compact hosta, growing about 20 inches tall and 40 inches wide, with white centers and dark green margins that jut towards the midribs. The leaf center can change throughout the season depending on the amount of sunlight. Plants have a growth habit like no other hosta, as the leaves point upright and are slightly curved and twisted making it a unique addition to any garden. Pale lavender blooms in July on 34 inch scapes. Use in a shady shrub, foundation, or perennial border, or as an understory plant for trees.
Grow in well drained soil in part shade to full shade to dappled light. Some varieties are listed as being suitable for full sun, but in our hot, dry climate, they all benefit from some mid-day sun protection. Ideally, provide a loamy soil, amended with organic material. Remove spent flower scapes after blooming to encourage more flowering and for a tidy appearance. In early spring, remove spent foliage, taking care to watch for new foliage emerging from the crown. Though not thought of as a "water-wise" plant, Hostas do remarkably well in dry part-shade to full-shade conditions, and are frequently the victim of over-watering, succumbing to crown or root rot.