Whirlwind is a medium to large (20 inches tall by 40 inches wide) hosta featuring white-centered green foliage. The tones in the center change as the season progresses. Flowers in purple shades that are attractive to hummingbirds appear in mid to late summer.

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.