H. ‘Afternoon Delight’

Overview

Registered in 2003 as a sport of an unidentified parent, *Hosta* 'Afternoon Delight' is a large cultivar distinguished by its blue-green leaves with broad, golden yellow margins. The leaves are broadly ovate with cordate bases, moderately wavy and corrugated, and carry a thin glaucous bloom on both surfaces that diminishes as the season progresses.

In the Garden

'Afternoon Delight' reaches a mature diameter of 52 inches (132.1 cm) and a height of 24 inches (61.0 cm), with an upright, moderate growth habit. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the gold margins remain brightest, and pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other shade-tolerant perennials. Its substantial size makes it suitable as a specimen or in the middle to back of a shaded border.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitor regularly and take protective measures if needed.