H. ‘Chelsea Babe’

Overview

Registered in 1988 by BHHS, this small hosta cultivar was developed from a select form of *Hosta* 'Fortunei Albopicta'. 'Chelsea Babe' is visually distinctive for its variegated foliage, featuring green leaves with margins of a contrasting color, though precise margin hue is not recorded.

In the Garden

As a small hosta, 'Chelsea Babe' reaches a mature height of approximately 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) with a spread of 12–18 inches (30–46 cm). It performs best in partial to full shade and is well-suited for rock gardens, front-of-border placements, or container culture. Companion plants include small ferns, heucheras, and miniature woodland perennials.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain even moisture, particularly during dry spells. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, this cultivar is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.