Cool as a Cucumber - Hosta

Hosta ‘Cool as a Cucumber’ is a large, mound-forming sport of ‘Cascades’ with creamy-white centers and medium-green margins. Its cascading foliage brightens a shaded border, while near-white tubular flowers open in July. ## Landscape Use The registered plant reaches about 32 inches tall and four feet across, creating a broad, light-catching clump. Use it along a woodland path, at the back of a shaded border, or as a specimen in a roomy container. Allow space for its leaves to arch outward as the mound matures. [The American Hosta Society register](https://www.hostaregistrar.org/Docs/hosta_1729590258hosta_2012.pdf) records its size, sport origin, foliage, and flowering season. ## Growing Conditions Give it dappled or partial shade; morning sun is tolerated, while hot afternoon sun can scorch hosta foliage. Plant in moist, well-drained, high-organic soil. Walters Gardens recommends sandy loam and a soil pH from 5.5 to 7.5 for hostas. Water regularly while establishing and keep soil evenly moist early in the growing season. [Walters Gardens’ hosta profile and growing guidance](https://www.waltersgardens.com/variety.php?ID=HSCUF) covers light, soil, water, and division. ## Seasonal Interest The green-edged, creamy foliage gives the clump its strongest display; near-white flowers appear in midsummer. ## Maintenance Let the clump establish for several years before dividing. After the foliage dies back, remove it in early winter to reduce overwintering slug and leaf-insect habitat. Keep mulch thin around the crown and monitor for slug damage.