H. ‘Donna’

Overview

Registered in 2011, *Hosta* 'Donna' is a medium-sized cultivar resulting from a cross between *H.* 'Christmas Tree Gala' (seed parent) and *H.* 'Sagae' (pollen parent). It is visually distinctive for its broadly ovate, medium green leaves with pale yellow, slightly rippled margins, combined with exaggerated folding at the leaf base and moderate waviness that creates a unique clump form.

In the Garden

'Donna' forms a mound-like clump reaching 12 inches (30.5 cm) in height and 22 inches (55.9 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, as typical for variegated hostas, where the pale yellow margins remain stable without scorching. The 7-inch (17.8 cm) long, 5.5-inch (14.0 cm) wide leaves with 9 vein pairs and a cordate base provide substantial texture, making this cultivar suitable for mid-border positions or as a specimen in shaded beds; its medium size also accommodates container culture.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, monitor for slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.