H. ‘Dorothy's Child’

Overview

Registered in 2007, *Hosta* 'Dorothy's Child' (pod parent *H. 'Dorothy Benedict'*, pollen parent *H. 'Hot Flash'*) is a medium-sized cultivar distinguished by its nearly round, dull-surfaced leaves of medium green streaked with yellow and white, edged in flat white margins. The leaf blade, measuring 7 inches (17.8 cm) long by 6.75 inches (17.1 cm) wide with 13 to 16 vein pairs, is lightly cupped with a cordate base, contributing to a textured, mound-like habit.

In the Garden

'Dorothy's Child' forms a moderate-growing mound 13 inches (33.0 cm) tall and 34 inches (86.4 cm) in diameter, making it suitable for mid-border positions in partial to full shade typical of hosta-growing zones. Its subdued leaf surface and streaked variegation pair well with fine-textured ferns or dark-leaved heucheras, and its medium size allows use in mixed shade containers. The scape reaches 10 to 12 inches (25.4 to 30.5 cm) in height.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during active growth; apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new shoots emerge. Standard slug and deer precautions are advisable, though the dull leaf surface may be less palatable to slugs than glossy-leaved cultivars.