H. ‘Aladdin's Lamp’

Overview

'Aladdin's Lamp' (1996) is a gold hosta whose parentage is recorded as unknown. The registry gives its color as medium gold, with a slightly rippled leaf edge and a dull finish on both upper and lower surfaces. No registered sport or seedling names it as a parent.

In the Garden

Its shape is wide and low: 48 in (121.9 cm) across against 21 in (53.3 cm) of height. The leaves are 9 in (22.9 cm) long and 6 in (15.2 cm) wide, heart-based, and carry 15 vein pairs. Green scapes rise to 25 to 29 in (63.5 to 73.7 cm). Habit and growth rate are not part of the entry.

How it compares

'Glen Fetish' (2008), in the same show class, turns the proportions around. It is semi-upright, 32 in (81.3 cm) tall on a 36 in (91.4 cm) spread, with narrow golden yellow leaves 8 in (20.3 cm) by 4.25 in (10.8 cm) and a tapered base. Its registrant also notes outstanding sun tolerance, a claim the 'Aladdin's Lamp' entry does not make. Choose 'Glen Fetish' if a semi-upright habit matters more than leaf width; 'Aladdin's Lamp' is registered lower and wider, with a broader, heart-based leaf.

'Rosedale Bright and Sassy' (1999) is registered at the same 48 in (121.9 cm) width but 30 in (76.2 cm) tall and upright, with a golden yellow leaf of 11 in (27.9 cm) by 9 in (22.9 cm).

'Gold Wing' (2014) is registered smaller, a 35 in (88.9 cm) mound at 17 in (43.2 cm), but has a larger, cupped leaf, 12 in (30.5 cm) by 8 in (20.3 cm), with a glaucous underside; its color is greenish yellow rather than medium gold.

Flowers and other notes

Near-white, 1.5 in tubular flowers ran from July 1 to July 25 in the registrant's Columbus, Ohio, garden, on green scapes. No growth rate is on file; use the general hosta care guide for light, water and slugs.

Sources: AHS Registry records for 'Aladdin's Lamp' (#167), 'Glen Fetish' (#2092), 'Rosedale Bright and Sassy' (#4753) and 'Gold Wing' (#2141), hostaregistrar.org.