H. ‘Cosmic Sister’

Overview

Registered in 2006, *Hosta* 'Cosmic Sister' is a large, mound-forming cultivar resulting from a cross between *Hosta* 'Dorothy Benedict' (pod parent) and a 'Dorothy Benedict' seedling (pollen parent). Its most distinctive feature is the leaf coloration: a green blade with flat, streaked margins that shift between greenish-white and greenish-yellow, with very large streaks of color running through the leaf.

In the Garden

'Cosmic Sister' forms a broad, dense mound reaching 32 inches (81.3 cm) in diameter and 16 inches (40.6 cm) in height. Its broadly ovate leaves, each 9 inches (22.9 cm) long and 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) wide with 13 to 15 vein pairs, have a dull surface on both sides and a rounded base. The scapes rise 18 to 20 inches (45.7 to 50.8 cm) above the foliage. This cultivar performs best in partial to full shade and pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials. Its large size makes it unsuitable for small containers but effective as a specimen or in mass plantings.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Like most hostas, 'Cosmic Sister' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.