H. ‘Chickenhearted’

Overview

Registered in 2012 from an open-pollinated seedling, *Hosta* 'Chickenhearted' is a medium-sized cultivar distinguished by its blue-green leaves with greenish yellow margins and a heavy glaucous bloom on both surfaces. The foliage emerges extremely bright yellow in spring, later developing a rich, powdery blue-green center with contrasting gold edges, and is complemented by purple flowers in summer.

In the Garden

This cultivar forms a dense, fast-growing mound 16 inches (40.6 cm) tall and 40 inches (101.6 cm) wide, making it suitable for mid-border positions or as a groundcover in partial to full shade. Its ovate, moderately wavy leaves with lightly corrugated texture pair well with ferns, heucheras, and other shade-tolerant perennials. The greenish yellow scapes, reaching 18 to 24 inches (45.7 to 61.0 cm), elevate the purple flowers above the foliage for visual contrast.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth resumes. Typical hosta-growing zones apply; slug and deer resistance is not documented, so standard protective measures may be warranted in areas with high pest pressure.