H. ‘Dark Star’
Hosta ‘Dark Star’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 1999 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-4b (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 1999, 'Dark Star' is a small hosta cultivar notable for its compact mound of blue-green leaves edged with creamy white margins. The foliage exhibits a distinctive glaucous bloom on both surfaces, with leaves measuring 7 inches (17.8 cm) long and 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) wide, bearing 7 to 9 pairs of veins.
In the Garden
'Dark Star' forms a dense, fast-growing mound reaching 12 inches (30.5 cm) in height and 24 inches (61.0 cm) in diameter. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of most hostas, and is well-suited for small gardens, rockeries, or container cultivation due to its compact size. Companion plants such as ferns, heucheras, or small woodland perennials complement its blue-green and white variegation.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While 'Dark Star' shows typical hosta resistance to deer, it may be susceptible to slug damage; maintain clean garden debris and consider slug barriers if needed.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 24 in (61 cm) |
| Leaf length | 7 in (17.8 cm) |
| Leaf width | 3.5 in (8.9 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 9 |
| Leaf | medium blue green with .5in (1.3cm) wide, creamy white, slightly rippled margins; glaucous bloom on top; glaucous bloom underneath |
| Flower scape height | 18–24 in (45.7–61.0 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Dark Star’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Academy Dark Space’ (sport)
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-4b, small size):
- H. ‘Sydney's Spunk’ (2007)
- H. ‘August Fire’ (2008)
- H. ‘Blue Ivory’ (2009)
- H. ‘Dew Drop’ (1988)
- H. ‘Bold Edger’ (1983)
- H. ‘Allan P. McConnell’ (1980)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #1362