H. ‘Brilliance’

Overview

Registered in 2001, *Hosta* 'Brilliance' is a giant cultivar of unknown pollen parentage, with *Hosta* 'Dorothy Benedict' as the pod parent. Its most distinctive feature is the combination of dark green leaves with brilliant yellow streaking and gold margins, creating a highly variegated appearance.

In the Garden

This cultivar reaches a mature size of 27 inches (68.6 cm) in height and 29 inches (73.7 cm) in diameter, with an upright growth habit and slow growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, as typical for hostas, and its large, deeply corrugated leaves provide substantial textural contrast. The 31- to 34-inch (78.7–86.4 cm) scapes bear pale yellow-streaked flowers in midsummer. It pairs well with ferns and other shade perennials but is too large for container cultivation.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The leathery leaf substance offers moderate resistance to slugs and deer, though monitoring is still advisable in problem areas.