Hosta, Francee

Hosta 'Francee' is a classic, medium-sized variety of Hosta, known for its attractive foliage and ability to brighten up shady spots in the garden. This versatile plant is prized for its neat, heart-shaped leaves with white margins, making it a popular choice for shade gardens and woodland settings.

 Plant Description:

- Foliage: The leaves are medium to dark green with distinct, crisp white margins. They are heart-shaped, slightly cupped, and have a smooth texture. The variegation on the margins is clean and even, giving the plant a tidy appearance.

- Flowers: In mid to late summer, 'Francee' produces lavender or pale purple, trumpet-shaped flowers on tall scapes that rise above the foliage. While the flowers are attractive, the plant is mainly grown for its foliage.

- Growth Habit: 'Francee' has a mounding, clump-forming habit, with dense foliage that spreads outward, creating a lush, full look.

 Growing Conditions:

- Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 3-9.

- Height: 16 to 24 inches (40 to 60 cm).

- Width: 35 to 47 inches (90 to 120 cm).

- Sun Exposure: Prefers partial to full shade. It can tolerate some morning sun, but too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, especially in hotter climates. Dappled or filtered shade is ideal for vibrant leaf color.

- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter is ideal. Hostas prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil and do best when the soil is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.

- Watering: Hostas need regular watering to keep their foliage lush, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging, as they dislike overly wet conditions.

 Planting and Care Tips:

- Planting Time: Plant in spring or early fall to give the roots time to establish before hot or cold weather arrives.

- Spacing: Space plants 35 to 47 inches apart to allow for their mature size and to encourage airflow between plants, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

- Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage healthy growth. Compost or organic matter can also be added to the soil for a nutrient boost.

- Pruning: Remove dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking tidy. Cut back flower stalks after blooming to maintain the plant’s neat appearance. In fall, cut back the foliage as it dies back naturally.

- Winter Care: Hostas are herbaceous perennials, meaning the foliage dies back in winter and regrows in spring. In colder zones, mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots during winter. In warmer climates, no special winter care is needed.

 Uses:

- Shade Gardens: 'Francee' is an excellent choice for shaded garden areas, providing contrast and structure with its variegated foliage.

- Borders and Ground Cover: It can be used to create low-growing borders or as ground cover in shady garden beds.

- Containers: Its neat, clumping habit makes 'Francee' suitable for large containers or pots, particularly in shady spots on patios or balconies.

- Woodland Gardens: The natural, woodland look of Hosta 'Francee' makes it perfect for planting under trees or in woodland settings, where it blends well with other shade-loving plants.

- Mixed Perennial Beds: It pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials, adding texture and color to garden beds.

 Native Range:

Hostas are native to Northeast Asia, particularly Japan, China, and Korea, where they naturally grow in woodlands and shaded areas. While they are not native to North America, they have become a staple in gardens across the world, particularly in temperate regions.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.