H. ‘Black Light’

Overview

Registered in 2015, this small-sized variegated hosta was bred from a cross between Hosta 'Dewed Steel' and Hosta 'Devon Green'. The cultivar is visually distinctive for its dark green leaf margins with a slightly shiny upper surface, combined with petioles that exhibit a pronounced purple coloration described as "black-light" purple.

In the Garden

'Hosta 'Black Light'' forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching approximately 11.4 inches (28.9 cm) in height and 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and is well-suited to small garden spaces, rock gardens, or container plantings due to its small size class. Companion plants that appreciate similar conditions include ferns, heucheras, and other small woodland perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The cultivar is susceptible to slug and deer damage, as are most hostas, so appropriate protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.