H. ‘Chromosphere’

Overview

Registered in 2010, Hosta 'Chromosphere' is a medium-sized cultivar derived from a cross between H. 'Ogon Tachi' and H. 'English Sunrise'. Its most distinctive feature is the combination of blue-green leaf centers with wide, golden yellow margins, which together create a bright, upright mound of foliage.

In the Garden

'Chromosphere' forms a symmetrical, mound-like clump reaching approximately 14 inches (35.6 cm) in height and 29 inches (73.7 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. The leaves are ovate with rounded bases, slightly shiny on the upper surface and glaucous beneath, measuring 7 inches (17.8 cm) long by 4.6 inches (11.7 cm) wide with 8 to 9 vein pairs and lightly wavy margins. The golden yellow leaf margins and similarly colored scapes (20 to 30 inches, or 50.8 to 76.2 cm tall) make this cultivar effective as a specimen or in mixed shade borders, where its bright margins contrast well with darker green or blue-green companions. It is suitable for typical hosta-growing zones in partial to full shade.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in warmer climates, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, slug and deer damage may occur and should be managed as needed.