H. ‘Aomori Gold Star’

Overview

Registered in 2009 by Japanese breeder K. Muroya, 'Aomori Gold Star' is a small hosta cultivar notable for its golden yellow leaf centers framed by medium green margins. The ovate leaves, measuring 7 inches long and 3.5 inches wide with 8 to 9 vein pairs, exhibit a slightly shiny upper surface and a very shiny underside. Purple flowers appear on scapes reaching 24 to 30 inches in height. This cultivar is a sport of 'Aomori Select' and is identical to green forms found in the wild.

In the Garden

With a mature spread of 33 inches (83.8 cm) and height of 16 inches (40.6 cm), 'Aomori Gold Star' forms an upright mound suited to the front of borders or as a specimen in small garden spaces. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its gold-centered leaves maintain color without scorching. The compact size makes it suitable for container cultivation, and it pairs well with other small hostas or shade-tolerant perennials such as ferns and heucheras.

Care Notes

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