H. ‘Deep Space Nine’

Overview

Registered in 2010, Hosta 'Deep Space Nine' is a medium-sized sport of Hosta 'Captain Kirk' notable for its chimeral reversal of coloration: dark blue-green leaf centers with creamy yellow margins, the inverse of its parent's pattern. The leaves are ovate with rounded bases, measure 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) long by 7 inches (17.8 cm) wide, and bear 9 to 11 pairs of veins; the margins are flat, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, and the leaf surfaces are dull above with a glaucous bloom beneath.

In the Garden

'Deep Space Nine' forms a dense, mound-like clump reaching 20 inches (50.8 cm) in height and 42 inches (106.7 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the blue-green centers and creamy margins remain most distinct. This cultivar pairs well with other shade perennials such as ferns, astilbes, and heucheras, and is suitable for border fronts or woodland gardens.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage; regular monitoring and protective measures may be necessary in typical hosta-growing zones.