H. ‘Cosmic Reaction’

Overview

Registered in 2012, *Hosta* 'Cosmic Reaction' is a large, mound-forming cultivar resulting from a cross between *Hosta* 'Cosmic Hippie' (pod parent) and *Hosta* 'Fudge Ripple' (pollen parent). Its most distinctive feature is the combination of blue-green leaf centers with creamy white, slightly rippled margins, complemented by medium lavender scapes.

In the Garden

'Cosmic Reaction' forms a substantial mound reaching 23 inches (58.4 cm) in height and 46 inches (116.8 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, as is typical for blue-green hostas, where the glaucous bloom on its broadly ovate, cordate-based leaves remains most pronounced. The 12-inch (30.5 cm) long by 9.5-inch (24.1 cm) wide leaves feature 13 to 15 vein pairs and exhibit light twisting, waviness, and corrugation. This cultivar pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade perennials; its large size makes it unsuitable for containers.

Care Notes

Water regularly during dry periods to maintain consistent soil moisture, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most large-leaved hostas, 'Cosmic Reaction' is susceptible to slug and deer damage and may require protective measures in typical hosta-growing zones.