Hosta Frances Williams -Unique Variegated Large Leaf Shade Loving Perennial Hosta 'Frances Williams' is a popular cultivar of hosta known for its striking foliage. Here's a description of this variety, its growth habits, flower and leaf color, scientific name, how to best grow it, and how to start it from seed: - Description: Hosta 'Frances Williams' is a large-sized herbaceous perennial plant that forms dense mounds of foliage. It is renowned for its impressive leaves, which are broad, heart-shaped, and heavily corrugated. The foliage has a blue-green color with irregular chartreuse to yellow-green margins, creating a dramatic contrast. The leaves have a glossy texture, adding to their visual appeal. - Growth Habits: This hosta variety typically grows to a height of around 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) with a spread of 36 to 48 inches (90 to 120 cm). It forms a dense clump of foliage that expands slowly over time. The plant produces scapes or flower stalks that rise above the foliage. - Flower and Leaf Color: In summer, 'Frances Williams' produces tall flower scapes that bear pale lavender to white funnel-shaped flowers. The blooms are attractive, but the main appeal of this cultivar lies in its striking foliage coloration. - Scientific Name: Hosta 'Frances Williams' belongs to the genus Hosta and the family Asparagaceae. The scientific name for this cultivar is Hosta sieboldiana 'Frances Williams.' - Growing Conditions: To best grow 'Frances Williams,' it is important to provide it with suitable growing conditions. This variety thrives in partial shade or dappled sunlight, although it can tolerate some morning sun. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is essential to ensure the soil remains consistently moist, as hostas have high water requirements. Regular watering is particularly crucial during hot and dry periods. Starting from Seed: (Note, most hostas are reproduced by cloning, root division which results in plants with the exact same characteristics. These seeds are from a particular Hosta, but the plants resulting from the seeds may not have the exact same characteristics as the parent- although they will have many of those attributes) While Hostas can be propagated from seed, it is important to note that hostas are generally slow-growing plants, and growing them from seed requires patience. To start from seed, sow the seeds in seed-starting trays or pots filled with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Cover the seeds lightly with the mix, mist them with water, and provide bottom heat to aid germination. Maintain a consistently moist environment and place the trays in a location with indirect light. Germination can take several weeks to a few months. Once the seedlings have grown several leaves and are large enough to handle, you can transplant them into individual pots or directly into the garden, following the spacing recommendations for mature plants. =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s=s=s=s=s=s= Free shipping to Canada- and USA Selected seeds only- at https://www.ebay.ca/usr/okiger-2i55iwk =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s=s=s=s=s=s= Shipping of Seeds and Cuttings: Orders are shipped via Canada Post Mail unless otherwise specified. Some items are shipped without tracking to keep costs low. This is the most economical option. Canada Post is incredibly reliable, but can be slow. If you require tracking or a faster delivery please message before ordering. We try to ship any live plants on MONDAYS or TUESDAYS as a precautionary measure to avoid delays over the weekend and ensure the viability of live plant orders. Weather may be a contributing factor in the processing of our orders and will occasionally cause some delay. We will ship seeds anywhere in the world, however, please make sure you check with your country's customs office to be sure that they are allowed in. We will not be held responsible for orders held, confiscated and/or destroyed by customs. Please note this and make sure you understand before you buy it. If you have a question or if you are unclear about shipping policies please contact us. We welcome questions! Contact us before, after, or during any transaction and you will receive a reply ASAP. Thanks for visiting! Don't forget to bookmark us!