Prized for its brilliant foliage and red stems, Hosta 'Designer Genes' (Plantain Lily) is a fabulous addition to shady areas where it forms a small mound of widely oval, heart-shaped, brilliant golden-yellow leaves. Shiny above and matt below, the luminous foliage contrasts beautifully with the showy bright red petioles. Later in the season, the foliage mellows to more of a chartreuse green color. Funnel-shaped lavender blooms appear in late summer, rising on red scapes 24 in. tall (60 cm). A knockout foliage perennial that is excellent for containers and small gardens.

• Easy grower, this clump-forming perennial grows 18 in. tall (45 cm) and spreads 12 in. (30 cm).
• A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in rich, moist, well-drained soils.
• Perfect for the shade gardens, mixed with other perennials in beds and borders, city or cottage gardens, as a groundcover, garden edging or underplanting shrubs.
• Watch for slugs and snails which could damage the attractive foliage.
• Cut off the stems after blooming to encourage the plant's growth. Discolored leaves should be trimmed back to the ground.