First identified in 1936, Frances Williams has long been a staple of the shade garden. This large hosta is noted for its gold margined leaves. It is a sport of H. sieboldiana 'Elegans.' This is a large hosta (2 feet tall by 4 feet wide). It blooms in June and July with white flowers that attract 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 also 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.