H. ‘Dawn's Early Light’
Hosta ‘Dawn's Early Light’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 1998 |
|---|---|
| Section class | II-3 (Large) |
Overview
Registered in 1998, this large hosta cultivar resulted from a hybrid of *Hosta* 'Sea Fire'. It is visually distinctive for its broad, cordate leaves of deep green with wide, heavily rippled margins of pale gold, creating a bold, luminous contrast in the garden.
In the Garden
Reaching a mature size of approximately 36 inches (91 cm) in diameter and 20 inches (51 cm) in height, 'Dawn's Early Light' forms a substantial, mounding clump. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, where the gold margins hold their color without scorching. Its large, textured foliage pairs well with ferns, *Heuchera*, and other shade-tolerant perennials; its moderate growth rate makes it suitable for mid-border positions.
Care Notes
Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, especially during dry periods. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While not especially prone to slug damage, standard preventative measures are advisable in damp conditions.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 20 in (50.8 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 36 in (91.4 cm) |
| Leaf length | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
| Leaf width | 8 in (20.3 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 12 |
| Leaf | pale yellow heavy ripples margins; dull on top; dull underneath |
| Flower scape height | 29–31 in (73.7–78.7 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: Hybrid of H. 'Sea Fire' — H. ‘Sea Fire’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-3, large size):
- H. ‘Rosedale Bright and Sassy’ (1999)
- H. ‘Sunny Delight’ (2000)
- H. ‘Dancing Queen’ (2005)
- H. ‘Sun Power’ (1986)
- H. ‘Gold Wing’ (2014)
- H. ‘Alice Gladden’ (1998)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #1378