H. ‘Black Tie Affair’

Overview

Registered in 2012, this medium-sized sport of Hosta 'Hakumuo' is a chimeral reversal, producing leaves with medium to dark green centers and pure white margins. The cultivar is visually defined by its broad, 0.75-inch white margins that are slightly rippled, contrasting sharply with the dull, dark green leaf interior.

In the Garden

'Hakumuo' forms a dense, mound-like clump reaching 16 inches in height and 40 inches in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the white margins remain crisp and do not scorch. The 9-inch ovate leaves with rounded bases and 9 to 11 vein pairs provide substantial texture; companion plants such as ferns or Heuchera in contrasting dark foliage complement its bold variegation. Its medium size makes it suitable for border fronts or woodland garden placements, though it is not typically grown in containers.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage the foliage, so monitoring and appropriate controls are advisable in typical hosta-growing zones.