H. ‘Dorset Clown’
Hosta ‘Dorset Clown’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by R. Kuenster, AHS.
| Year registered | 2010 |
|---|---|
| Registrant | R. Kuenster, AHS |
| Section class | IV-7 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2010 by R. Kuenster of the American Hosta Society, 'Dorset Clown' is a small hosta cultivar of unknown parentage. Its distinctive foliage features blue-green leaves with white margins, further marked by yellow and white streaking across the leaf surface, and a glaucous bloom on both upper and lower surfaces.
In the Garden
This cultivar forms a mound-like clump reaching 16 inches (40.6 cm) in height and 40 inches (101.6 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of most hostas, and is well-suited for border fronts, rock gardens, or container plantings due to its compact size. The broadly ovate leaves with cordate bases and lightly wavy margins provide textural contrast when paired with ferns, heucheras, or small grasses.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer deterrents are advisable, as with most hostas; the glaucous leaf coating may offer slight resistance to moisture-related issues.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 16 in (40.6 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 40 in (101.6 cm) |
| Leaf length | 6.5 in (16.5 cm) |
| Leaf width | 4.5 in (11.4 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 12 |
| Leaf | streaked with yellow and white flat margins; glaucous bloom on top; glaucous bloom underneath; lightly wavy |
| Flower scape height | 20–24 in (50.8–61.0 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | streaked with substance, smooth substance, good breeder, passes on blue seedlings |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Dorset Clown’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Blue My Mind’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Clown Belly’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Clown's Collar’ (sport)
- H. ‘Cosmic Little Elf’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Dorset Blueblood’ (sport)
- H. ‘Dorset Glenn’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Fatal Attraction’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Madame Butterfly’ (sport)
- H. ‘Nordatlantik’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Pretty One’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Ringmaster’ (sport)
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-7, small size):
- H. ‘Lodikito’ (2013)
- H. ‘Ray of Hope’ (2005)
- H. ‘Stars and Stripes’ (2000)
- H. ‘Cheesecake’ (2010)
- H. ‘Coach Paul Castro’ (2010)
- H. ‘Coach Terry Paustian’ (2010)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #1487