Guacamole Hosta

Name: Guacamole Hosta
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 11463
Price: 31.06 USD
Availability: InStock

Hosta 'Guacamole'

Nature Hills Nursery

$31⁰⁶

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In Stock

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Guacamole Hostas are unique because they tolerate more sun than most varieties, performing best with 4 to 6 hours of morning sun followed by afternoon shade. Too much harsh afternoon sun can scorch the leaves, while deep shade will cause the vibrant apple-green color to darken and lose its distinctiveness.
Soil: These hostas thrive in rich, loose soil that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. If you have heavy clay, mix in compost or pine bark to improve drainage and aeration; for sandy soil, adding organic matter will help retain the consistent moisture these plants need.

Watering Requirements

During the first season, water deeply once or twice a week to help the roots establish, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Once established, they offer some drought tolerance, but inconsistent watering often results in crispy leaf edges and smaller, less fragrant blooms.

Pruning Tips

Since hostas are herbaceous perennials that die back in winter, simply cut the dead foliage down to the ground in late fall or early spring before new shoots emerge. You can also snip off the flower stalks after the fragrant blooms fade in late summer to keep the plant looking tidy and focus energy back into the foliage.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the new "eyes" or shoots begin to poke out of the soil. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer, as this encourages soft new growth that will likely be damaged by the first frost.

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 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 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

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Fragrant and Fun Guacamole Hosta

Avacado Green Leaves
Leaves have Dark Veins and Edges
Fragrant Light Lavender Flowers
Attracts Beneficial Pollinators

Guacamole Hosta (Hosta 'Guacamole') is as much fun to add to your garden as it sounds. It's a medium-sized hosta with avocado green, veined foliage with dark green margins. This specimen gives a spicy twist to the hosta variety we know and love.

Mid-summer, Guacamole shoots up gorgeous stalks topped with lavender blooms! The white flowers of this fast-growing hosta bloom and bring with it an abundance of flowery fragrance.

You won't be the only one who wants to stop and smell the...hosta. Butterflies, and sometimes hummingbirds, are also attracted to its blooms. Enjoy their fluttering presence in the later days of summer.

Guacamole grows best in moist, well-drained, highly organic soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Sandy loam is better than clay because it provides more aeration for the roots.

To make sure that moisture is reaching the roots, make sure to lift up the leaves and water the soil directly underneath. You'll find that sometimes the leaves will shield the roots a little too well.

Plant this vigorous perennial in an area that receives the right amount of light. The leaves need some morning sun to bring the rich golden color out; too much sun will burn the leaves. This hosta mixes well with ferns.

Do you have a spot underneath the family shade tree in the backyard? Sometimes it can be tricky filling in the area under the canopy with all that shade but Guacamole loves it!

Guacamole was named the 2002 Hosta of the Year and is definitely one of the hostas with the most fragrant flowers! It's a garden winner, order yours today and experience its brilliance first hand this season!

Botanical Name

Hosta 'Guacamole'
Class

Asparagales
Species

hybrid
Cultivar

Guacamole
Growing Zones

3-8
Height

1-2 ft
Width

1-2 ft
Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade, Shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

White
Leaf Color

Green, Yellow, Variegated
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Summer, Early Fall
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 3-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Guacamole Hosta prefer, including pH and drainage?

Guacamole Hosta thrives in moist, well-drained, highly organic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Sandy loam works better than clay since it provides better root aeration. Water directly at the base under the leaves to ensure moisture reaches the roots.

How often should I water Guacamole Hosta, and what's the best time of day?

Water Guacamole Hosta when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 2-3 days in summer heat. Water early morning directly at the soil under the leaves since the foliage can shield roots from moisture. Shop at Nature Hills for this 2002 Hosta of the Year winner.

Is Guacamole Hosta slug or snail resistant, and how do I protect it from pests?

Guacamole Hosta is not naturally slug or snail resistant like other hostas. These pests are attracted to the tender, avocado-green foliage and can cause significant damage. Use organic slug bait, copper barriers, or hand-picking in early morning to protect your plants.

When is the best time to plant Guacamole Hosta?

The best time to plant Guacamole Hosta is in spring after the last frost or in early fall, 6-8 weeks before hard freeze. This gives the roots time to establish in the moist, well-drained soil it prefers. Plant in partial shade where it gets morning sun to develop its golden color.

How do I care for Guacamole Hosta in winter, including cutting back?

Guacamole Hosta naturally dies back to the ground after the first hard frost. Cut the dead foliage to ground level in late fall or early spring before new growth emerges. No winter protection is needed in most climates. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance perennial.

Can Guacamole Hosta be divided, and when should I do it?

Yes, Guacamole Hosta can be divided every 3-4 years to maintain vigor. The best time is early spring before new growth emerges or in early fall after blooming ends. Dig up the entire clump and use a sharp spade to separate sections with roots and growing points.

Can Guacamole Hosta be shipped to Alaska or Hawaii?

Guacamole Hosta can be shipped to Alaska and Hawaii as a hardy perennial that adapts well to container growing. This award-winning hosta thrives in zones 3-9 and tolerates various climate conditions. Check your specific growing zone and consider container planting in extreme climates for best results.