Rainforest Sunrise Hosta

Hosta 'Rainforest Sunrise'

Plants that Work®

Hardy in zones 3-9 and thrives in full to partial shade where most plants struggle
Luminous chartreuse-gold leaves with wide dark green margins create stunning contrast all season
Lavender flowers rise above foliage in early to mid-summer, attracting hummingbirds and bees
Slug-resistant foliage with thick, durable leaves that maintain their vibrant color without fading

$26⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Performs best in partial to full shade with protection from hot afternoon sun. Morning sun enhances the chartreuse color while too much direct sun will scorch the leaves and fade the vibrant coloring.

Soil: Thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Amend clay soil with compost to improve drainage, or work extra peat moss and compost into sandy soil to retain moisture. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch keeps roots cool and conserves moisture.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply 2-3 times weekly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, water whenever the top 2 inches of soil feels dry, which is typically once or twice weekly during dry spells. Consistent moisture keeps foliage looking its best, though hostas can tolerate brief dry periods once mature. Brown leaf edges signal underwatering.

Pruning Tips

Remove flower stalks after blooms fade if you prefer the focus on foliage, or leave them for a naturalized look. Cut back all foliage to ground level in late fall after frost blackens the leaves, or wait until early spring before new growth emerges. Removing old foliage prevents slug eggs from overwintering and keeps the garden tidy.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring as new shoots emerge, then again in mid-summer for sustained growth. Work fertilizer into the soil around the drip line, not directly against the crown. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of the plant's natural vigor and form.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6	Week of March 2nd
Zone 7-12	Week of February 23rd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Rainforest Sunrise Hosta (Hosta 'Rainforest Sunrise') brings the lush, layered beauty of a tropical forest floor to your shade garden with foliage that practically glows in low light. The chartreuse to butter-yellow leaves are dramatically framed by wide, dark green margins that intensify the color contrast and make each leaf look hand-painted. This medium-sized hosta creates a luminous focal point that lights up shadowy corners and woodland edges where most plants fade into the background.

Standout Foliage That Evolves

The leaves emerge in spring as bright chartreuse mounds that catch your eye from across the garden. As the season progresses, the centers deepen to a rich golden-yellow while the margins stay boldly dark green, creating dimension and visual interest. The foliage has a slightly rippled texture with prominent veining that adds depth to each leaf. Unlike thin-leaved hostas that attract every slug in the neighborhood, Rainforest Sunrise has substantial, thick leaves that resist slug damage and hold up beautifully through summer storms.

Summer Flowers and Wildlife Appeal

In early to mid-summer, tall scapes rise 18-24 inches above the foliage, bearing tubular lavender flowers that attract hummingbirds and native bees. The blooms provide a soft vertical accent without overwhelming the spectacular foliage display. Many gardeners leave the flower stalks in place to enjoy the wildlife activity, while others prefer to remove them and keep the focus on the bold leaves below.

Landscape Uses

This hosta works beautifully as a specimen plant where its brilliant coloring can take center stage, or mass several together for a river of light flowing through a shade border. The compact, symmetrical habit makes it perfect for containers on shaded patios or as an edging plant along woodland paths. Pair it with darker-leaved companions like Heuchera 'Obsidian' or ferns to make the chartreuse color pop even more dramatically. It's also exceptional in combination with spring bulbs, since the emerging hosta foliage hides fading bulb foliage naturally.

Easy Care Shade Solution

Rainforest Sunrise delivers months of vibrant color with minimal maintenance. The thick leaves naturally resist pests, and the plant tolerates a range of soil conditions as long as moisture stays consistent. It spreads slowly to form a substantial clump over time but never becomes invasive. This is a low-fuss, high-impact perennial that performs reliably year after year, asking little more than good soil, regular moisture, and protection from harsh afternoon sun.

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Growing Zones 3-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will Rainforest Sunrise Hosta grow in full sun?

No, this variety needs shade protection to maintain its vibrant color and prevent leaf scorch. It performs best in partial to full shade, though it can tolerate morning sun in northern zones. Too much direct sun bleaches the chartreuse color and burns the leaf edges.

How long does it take Rainforest Sunrise to reach full size?

Expect 3-4 years for this hosta to develop into a mature clump 12-18 inches tall and 24-36 inches wide. First-year plants focus on root establishment, with more substantial foliage appearing in year two. Consistent watering and fertilizing speeds up the process.

Is Rainforest Sunrise deer resistant?

Hostas are generally browsed by deer when other food is scarce, though they're not a preferred food source. In areas with heavy deer pressure, consider using repellents or fencing. Rabbits typically avoid hostas due to their thick, bitter leaves.

Can I divide Rainforest Sunrise Hosta?

Yes, divide established clumps in early spring as shoots emerge or in fall after foliage dies back. Use a sharp spade to cut through the root mass, ensuring each division has 3-5 eyes (growing points). Divisions establish quickly and will bloom the following season.

Does Rainforest Sunrise keep its color all season?

Yes, the variegation holds beautifully from spring through frost when planted in proper shade conditions. The chartreuse center may deepen slightly to golden-yellow by late summer, but the dark green margins remain constant. Adequate water prevents any color fading.

Rainforest Sunrise Hosta