H. ‘Cathy's Clown’

Overview

'Cathy's Clown' was registered in 2011 by C. Wasitis of Strasburg, Virginia, credited as originator, namer and registrant, with Bridgewood Gardens as introducer. Both parents are unknown. The leaf is medium green with a creamy white, flat margin 0.75 in (1.9 cm) wide; the registrant pointed out that the margin is much wider at mid leaf than at the base and that the tip curves downward.

In the Garden

The original seedling was five years old when measured: a mound 36 in (91.4 cm) across and 16 in (40.6 cm) high with a moderate growth rate. The leaf is broadly ovate and moderately wavy, 8 in by 7 in. Tubular flowers are recorded from early June to mid-July, without a color or scape height.

How it compares

'Patriot' (HOY 1997) has a darker leaf, dark green and glossy, with a wider 1 in white margin; it is registered at 30 in across and 12 in high. Pick it if a darker, glossy leaf matters more than leaf size; its leaf is 7 by 5 in against 8 by 7 in.

'Quiet Waters' is a more unusual class member: a pure white, heavily rippled margin of 0.5 to 1 in, plus a second medium green margin of 0.13 to 0.38 in and celadon streaking. It is registered as upright with a slow growth rate, at 26 in across and 13 in high.

'Applause' is a sport of 'Edge of Night' with very dark cupped leaves and a creamy white margin of 0.5 to 0.75 in, registered at 55 in across and 27 in high with a fast growth rate.

Flowers and other notes

The registered flowering window is June 1 to July 15 in Strasburg, Virginia. Seed set is unknown; for planting and upkeep, see the hosta care guide.

Sources: AHS Registry records for 'Cathy's Clown' (#945), 'Patriot' (#4245), 'Quiet Waters' (#4539) and 'Applause' (#301), hostaregistrar.org.