A Divine Mist of Fragrance and Frost
Hosta 'Ambrosia' is a heavenly introduction from hybridizer Bob Solberg, registered in 2016 as a "close to perfection" sport of the beloved 'Guacamole'. This large-stature cultivar elevates its lineage by adding a heavy, glaucous wax coating that creates a misty blue margin and a frosted haze over the entire leaf surface. Emerging with a light yellow centre and blue margins, it maintains its ethereal appearance throughout the summer, continuing to send out new, wax-covered growth even in the heat. As the season advances, the wax may subtly transition to reveal brilliant green margins, but its standout feature remains the large, lily-like flowers that fill the garden with a sweet, powerful fragrance in late summer.
Why It Stands Out
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Frosted Blue-Green Contrast: A heavy glaucous bloom provides a unique "silvery" layer over the yellow and blue-green variegation.
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Intense Summer Fragrance: Produces large, pale lavender flowers that are among the most fragrant in the hosta world.
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Sun-Tolerant Vigour: Inherits excellent sun tolerance from its 'Guacamole' parentage, thriving in brighter light that would scorch other varieties.
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Rapid Growth Rate: A vigorous grower that quickly forms a massive, symmetrical mound, reaching over 130 cm in width at maturity.
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Extended Season Interest: Continues to produce fresh, waxy foliage throughout the summer, keeping the clump looking "divine" until the autumn frost.
Technical Specs
| Feature |
Details |
| Size |
60 cm Height / 135 cm Width |
| Hardiness Zone |
Canadian Zones 3–9 |
| Colour |
Light Yellow centre with Misty Blue-Green margins |
| Light |
Partial Shade to Partial Sun (Bright light enhances fragrance) |
Grower's Tip
To maximize the development of its fragrant blossoms, site 'Ambrosia' in a location that receives several hours of morning sun. While it handles bright light beautifully, ensure it has consistent moisture to fuel its rapid growth. At our nursery in Bécancour, QC, we pay close attention to this variety during its spring emergence to verify the heavy wax coating and vibrant variegation are present. Per our "True to Type" mandate, we never ship until we visually confirm these specific traits in our local fields, ensuring you receive a verified, healthy plant ready to grace your landscape.
