Botanical Name: Hosta 'Whirlwind'
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Common Name: Whirlwind Hosta  
Plant photo of: Hosta 'Whirlwind'
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Lavender

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green, Yellow Green, Yellow, Variegated

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Tropical, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways

 

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Bobbie Schwartz

  • Description

  • Notes

'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.