Tootie Mae Hosta
Tootie Mae is a medium-sized, variegated hosta cultivar highly valued for its striking color contrast and thick, slug-resistant foliage. It was discovered by Alan Bearden of Alabama and named after his wife's childhood nickname. Key Characteristics Foliage: Rounded, heavily corrugated, and slightly cupped blue-green leaves with exceptionally wide, bright gold margins. Flowers: Produces near-white, tube-shaped flowers on 20-inch scapes in early to mid-summer. Size: Typically matures to a height of 14–18 inches and a spread of 28–40 inches. Growth Rate: Known as a slow grower, often taking 4–8 years to reach full maturity. Growing & Care Tips Light: Thrives in partial to full shade. While it can tolerate some morning sun, direct afternoon sun may burn the gold margins. Soil: Prefers rich, moist, well-drained organic soil with a slightly acidic pH (6.0–6.5). Watering: Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Hardiness: Suitable for USDA Z