H. ‘Dorothy’

Overview

Registered in 1986 by F. Williams and the American Hosta Society, 'Dorothy' is a medium-sized variegated hosta derived from a cross between *Hosta decorata* and *Hosta* 'Fortunei'. The cultivar is visually defined by its dark green leaves with slight undulating margins, which contrast with the lighter variegation pattern inherited from its parentage.

In the Garden

'Dorothy' forms a substantial mound reaching 20 inches (50.8 cm) in height and spreading to 60 inches (152.4 cm) in diameter, making it suitable for mid-border placement or as a groundcover in shaded to partially shaded beds. Its medium size and broad habit pair well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials. The plant is not typically recommended for container cultivation due to its wide spread.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in dry spells, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new shoots emerge. Like most hostas, 'Dorothy' is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.