H. ‘Alison’

Overview

Registered in 2000, this large hosta cultivar was developed from a cross between H. 'High Noon' (pod parent) and H. 'Noah's Ark' (pollen parent). Its most distinctive feature is the combination of green leaf centers with medium gold flat margins, a color pattern that provides strong contrast throughout the growing season.

In the Garden

'Hosta' 'Alison' forms a substantial mound reaching 20 inches (50.8 cm) in height and 60 inches (152.4 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. The leaves are 10 inches (25.4 cm) long and 9 inches (22.9 cm) wide, cordate at the base, with dull surfaces above and below and 17 pairs of veins. Scapes rise 22 to 25 inches (55.9 to 63.5 cm) tall with green margins, bearing flowers typical of the genus. This cultivar performs best in partial to full shade, as is standard for hostas, and pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials. Its large size makes it unsuitable for containers but effective as a specimen or in mass plantings in woodland gardens.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, foliage may be damaged by slugs and deer in typical hosta-growing zones.