H. ‘Duchess’

Overview

Registered in 1982 by R. Savory, 'Duchess' is a small hosta cultivar derived as a sport of a hybrid parent. It is visually distinctive for its dark green leaves with pure white margins, a compact habit, and a notably tall scape relative to its foliage height.

In the Garden

'Duchess' reaches a mature diameter of 11 inches (27.9 cm) and a height of 5 inches (12.7 cm), making it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container plantings. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and pairs well with other small shade perennials such as ferns, heucheras, or miniature sedges. Its small size and tidy form also make it an excellent candidate for troughs or mixed containers.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain even moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Duchess' may be susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitor and manage as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.