H. ‘Alphabet Soup’

Overview

Registered in 2013 as an open-pollinated seedling of Hosta 'Bright Lights', 'Alphabet Soup' is a large, slow-growing cultivar distinguished by its nearly round, blue-green leaves with light green, slightly rippled margins and a pronounced glaucous bloom on both surfaces. The leaf surface bears a distinctive corrugation in which the veins and interveinal areas form patterns reminiscent of alphabet pasta letters, giving the cultivar its common name.

In the Garden

With a mature diameter of 25 inches (63.5 cm) and height of 29 inches (73.7 cm), 'Alphabet Soup' forms a dense, upright clump suitable for partial to full shade in typical hosta-growing zones. Its large, cupped leaves and green scapes reaching 30 to 36 inches (76.2 to 91.4 cm) make it a strong specimen for shaded borders, woodland gardens, or as a focal point among finer-textured perennials such as ferns or Heuchera. The slow growth rate and substantial size limit its suitability for container culture.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer precautions are advisable, as the glaucous leaf surface may be susceptible to damage from both pests.