H. ‘Checkered Cab’

Hosta 'Checkered Cab'
Illustration: The Hosta Farm Editorial Team.

Hosta ‘Checkered Cab’ is a registered cultivar () .

Year registered2012
Section classII-3 (Large)

Overview

Registered in 2012 as an open-pollinated seedling of seedling #OP99, 'Checkered Cab' is a large hosta distinguished by its variable foliage—no two leaves are identical, with green blades edged in golden yellow margins that may appear slightly rippled, folded, or gnarled. The leaves are broadly ovate with cordate bases, 9.5 inches long and 7.5 inches wide, bearing 12 to 13 vein pairs; the upper surface is slightly shiny, the lower dull, and the overall effect is a moderately rugose, domed clump.

In the Garden

'Checkered Cab' forms a mound 42 inches in diameter and 15 inches tall, with a moderate growth rate, making it suitable for mid-border or specimen placement in partial to full shade. Its gold-margined leaves pair well with blue-leaved hostas or ferns for contrast, and the plant's compact height (scapes reach 16 to 18 inches) allows it to fit into mixed shade gardens without overwhelming smaller companions. It is not suited for containers due to its large mature spread.

Care Notes

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

Size and leaf

Clump height15 in (38.1 cm)
Clump width42 in (106.7 cm)
Leaf length9.5 in (24.1 cm)
Leaf width7.5 in (19.1 cm)
Vein pairs13
Leafgolden yellow slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; dull underneath; no leaf the same, plant can exhibit all of the characteristics
Flower scape height16–18 in (40.6–45.7 cm)
Seasonal colour changegreen to golden yellow
Notable characteristicsgold moderately rugose leaves create a domed clump, slight folded, and gnarled appearance, no leaf is the same

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

  • Pollen parent: open pollinated seedling #OP99

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-3, large size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #999