Hosta 'June'
Overview
Uses: Shade and woodland gardens, bed edges, mass plantings, shaded containers and planters.
Benefits: Golden chartreuse leaf centers framed by wide blue-green margins, on foliage noticeably thicker and more substantial than most variegated hostas. That substance translates into better slug resistance and leaves that stay presentable into fall.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9
Sun: Partial Sun/Shade to Heavy Shade
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Growth Habit: Mounding, Clumping — low symmetrical dome of overlapping leaves.
Bloom Color: Lavender
Foliage Color: Chartreuse and Gold centers with Blue-Green margins
Mature Height: 1–1.5 ft.
Mature Width: 2–3 ft.
Bloom Season: Midsummer
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
June is the hosta people point at. The leaf centers glow a golden chartreuse against wide blue-green margins, and in a shaded bed that contrast does the work of a flower — it pulls the eye to a spot that would otherwise read as one flat green mass.
The color is not static. Centers emerge a cool chartreuse in spring, warm through toward gold as summer light strengthens, and settle back down in fall, while the blue-green margins hold steady the whole time. Morning sun deepens the gold; heavier shade keeps it greener and cooler. Either way the leaves are the point, and they are noticeably thicker and more corrugated than most variegated hostas of this size, which is why they stay clean when thinner-leaved varieties are already lace by August.
The plant itself is compact and symmetrical, building a dome roughly a foot tall and two to three feet across. Pale lavender flowers rise above it in midsummer on short scapes, a modest bonus on a plant grown for its leaves.
Care
June Hosta Care
Plant June Hosta in partial to full shade in rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Morning sun with afternoon shade brings out the strongest gold in the leaf centers; deep shade keeps the color cooler and greener. Full afternoon sun will scorch the leaf edges.
Water regularly and consistently, particularly through the first two seasons and during summer dry spells. Hostas are not drought plants, and a stressed clump will brown at the margins and stay that way for the rest of the season. A two-inch layer of mulch helps hold moisture and keeps the root zone cool.
A single spring application of slow release fertilizer as the shoots emerge supports the best leaf size. Remove flower scapes after bloom if you prefer a purely foliage effect. Cut the foliage back to the ground after the first hard frost and clear the debris, which reduces slug shelter over winter. Divide in spring or early fall only when you want more plants.
Size
What Size is the June Hosta for Sale Online?
Our June Hosta ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does June Hosta Grow?
June Hosta forms a mound about twelve to sixteen inches tall and two to three feet across at maturity, taking three to four seasons to reach full size.
Additional Information
How much sun can it take?
Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal and produces the deepest gold in the leaf centers. It will grow in full shade with cooler, greener coloring and slightly slower growth. Afternoon sun scorches the margins, especially in warmer zones.
Is it really more slug resistant?
Reasonably so for a variegated hosta. The leaves are thicker and more corrugated than most selections in this size range, which makes them harder going for slugs. It is not slug proof, and damp shaded sites will still see some damage.
How is June different from Halcyon?
June is a sport of Halcyon and shares its substance and habit, but Halcyon is a solid blue-green while June carries a golden chartreuse center inside blue-green margins. June is the brighter of the two in shade; Halcyon holds its blue tone longer into summer.
Will deer eat it?
Yes. Hostas are one of the first things deer browse, and this one is no exception — where deer pressure is heavy, plan on fencing or repellent. If that is not practical, our deer-resistant perennials and grasses collection lists shade plants they leave alone, and you can see the rest of our perennials for other options.
