Shadowland® 'Miss America' Hosta

Shadowland® Hosta ‘Miss America’ is a large, foliage-forward perennial with variegated green leaves for shaded gardens. Its broad foliage provides a strong seasonal presence, and purple flowers rise above the leaves in summer. [Walters Gardens’ cultivar profile](https://www.waltersgardens.com/variety.php?ID=HSMIA) ## Garden placement Use it as a foliage accent in a shaded entry bed, woodland border, or along a path where the leaf pattern can be appreciated. Allow about 19–19 In. of height and 4.6–4.6 Ft. of spread. Walters lists the cultivar for USDA zones 3–9. It grows in part to full shade; in a brighter site, protect it from hot afternoon exposure. The profile lists average soil and water requirements, so water during extended dry spells and avoid letting the root zone dry completely. ## Seasonal character Pair the broad leaves with finer-textured ferns or sedges for contrast. Purple summer flowers add a second point of interest above the foliage. Hosta leaves can show slug feeding during wet weather; [Illinois Extension’s hosta guide](https://extension.illinois.edu/flowers/plantain-lily-hosta) and [slug management notes](https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/ilriverhort/2014-06-23-slugs-common-hosta-pest) describe common issues. ## Maintenance After frost and dormancy, remove spent foliage and clear debris around the crown. Divide the clump when it becomes crowded, preferably as new growth begins in spring. Keep the crown at soil level and water newly divided plants until established.