H. ‘Calico Cat’

Overview

Registered in 2015, *Hosta* 'Calico Cat' is a large cultivar of unknown parentage (pollen parent unrecorded) derived from *H.* 'Hearts and Flowers'. Its most distinctive feature is the leaf variegation: a pale yellow to medium green streaked center with medium green, slightly rippled margins, producing a calico-like pattern across the foliage.

In the Garden

'Calico Cat' forms a mound 16 inches (40.6 cm) tall and 29 inches (73.7 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. Each leaf measures 10 inches (25.4 cm) long by 7 inches (17.8 cm) wide, is broadly ovate with a cordate base, and has a flat profile with dull surfaces both above and below. It performs best in partial to full shade, as is typical for hostas, and pairs well with ferns, astilbes, or other shade-tolerant perennials. Its large size makes it suitable as a specimen or in the middle to back of a shaded border; it is not recommended for containers.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many hostas, 'Calico Cat' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in gardens where these pests are common.