Vigorous, Hosta 'First Mate' (Plantain Lily) is a small hosta variety with stunningly variegated foliage. It forms attractive, dense mounds of long, narrow, heavily rippled leaves with dark green margins and creamy-yellow centers. Star-like lavender flowers appear in mid to late summer, rising on scapes  24 in. long (60 cm) but the primary contribution of this hosta is its lovely foliage. 

• Easy grower, Hosta 'First Mate' has a more upright habit, displaying its showy leaves as it creates mounds up to 10 in. tall (25 cm) and 24 in. wide (60 cm).
• Performs best in part shade to full shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Shelter from cold, dry winds.
• Perfect for the shade garden, mixed with other perennials in bed and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens or containers. Great for edging, as a groundcover or underplanting shrubs and roses.
• 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.
• Propagate by division in early spring or late summer.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.