Guacamole (Hosta plantaginea ‘Guacamole’) is rated one of the top performing hostas in the Northeast and mid-South U.S. gardens. Guacamole is a hybrid and one of its parents is H. plantaginea ‘Fragrant Bouquet’. In 2002 it was selected Hosta of the Year by the American Hosta Society.

Guacamole is a medium-sized hosta. It matches its catalog description within three years. Guacamole grows 1 ½ feet tall and three or more feet wide with a mound-like habit. New spring leaves unfurl with apple green centers and dark bluish-green margins. Summer foliage darkens to avocado centers and medium green margins. The high gloss leaves average 10 inches in length and 8 inches in width. Leaf venation is moderate at best.

In August multiple scapes of white funnel-shaped flowers rise 36 inches tall above avocado green foliage. Yes, the flowers are fragrant, but their scent is never overwhelming.

Hostas prefer a moist, compost-rich, well-drained soil. They are the most popular shade perennial, yet many handle full sun well under regular irrigation. In northerly areas (USDA hardiness zones 4-5) with cooler summer, most hardy cultivars grow in full sun. While mostly free of diseases and pests, many cultivars are susceptible to foliar damage from slugs and snails. Deer are also a serious menace.

Hostas should be divided every 5 years, either early spring or mid-autumn. In early spring wait for shoots to poke up, but before leaves unfurl. As leaves decline in the fall, dig up the entire clump and divide with a sharp knife.

Guacamole was introduced by Solberg in 1994.