Fragrant Striped Purple Blooms and Glossy Green Foliage with a White Margin
Hosta 'Austin Dickinson' is a masterclass in sensory gardening, registered by the legendary Bill and Eleanor Lachman in 1992. A sophisticated hybrid of Hosta 'Resonance' and H. plantaginea, this medium-to-large cultivar is a standout for the Canadian collector who values both visual drama and evening fragrance. It is defined by its rounded, blue-green leaves that are boldly framed by a wide, clean white margin. The foliage possesses a remarkable high-gloss finish and a "puckered," slightly corrugated texture that catches the light beautifully from the dappled shade of an Ontario woodland to the coastal gardens of the Atlantic.
Why It Stands Out
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Intoxicating Fragrance: Inheriting the best traits of its plantaginea parentage, this variety fills the late-summer air with a sweet, delicate perfume.
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Deep Purple Floral Display: Unlike many fragrant varieties with pale blooms, 'Austin Dickinson' produces large, flaring, deep purple striped flowers on tall, 75 cm (30") light green scapes.
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High-Contrast Glossy Foliage: The transition from the saturated blue-green core to the crisp white border remains vibrant and polished throughout the growing season.
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Textural "Puckered" Surface: As the plant matures, the leaves develop a sophisticated corrugation that adds a rugged, tactile dimension to its symmetrical mound.
Technical Specs
| Feature |
Details |
| Size |
43 cm Height / 86 cm Spread (17" H / 34" W) |
| Hardiness Zone |
Standard Canadian Zones 3–9 |
| Colour |
Glossy blue-green with a wide, clean white margin |
| Light Requirements |
Partial Shade; benefits from filtered morning sun to enhance fragrance |
Grower's Tip
To fully appreciate the 'Austin Dickinson' experience, plant it near a walkway or patio where its deep purple, fragrant blooms can be enjoyed during warm July and August evenings. Because we specialize in high-integrity hybrids, we monitor every division in our Bécancour fields to ensure the signature gloss and wide white margins are perfectly established. This True to Type verification is our promise that the specimen you receive is the authentic Lachman original, ready to bring its poetic beauty to your local landscape.
