The leaves of Gold Standard emerge with chartreuse centers in the the spring and gradually become more gold with green margins as the season progresses. By the end of the season, the color may fade to white. This large (22 inches tall by 36 inches wide), vigorous hosta is considered a classic and is widely used. Pink-lavender flowers appear in July and August and are attractive to hummingbirds.

Hostas are shade tolerant, easy to grow, and long lived. Although they produce flowers held high above the foliage on long stalks called scapes, they are grown primarily for their foliage and neat habit. Hostas are actively hybridized for leaf color, size, shape, and texture; natural mutations or “sports” are common, and new introductions abound. Hosta cultivars range in size from several inches to several feet; it may take 3 to 8 years for hostas to reach their full size. They all prefer moist, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. Some leaf damage by slugs is to be expected, and deer find hosta delicious.