H. ‘Forest Firefly’
Hosta ‘Forest Firefly’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2008 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-6a (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2008, *Hosta* 'Forest Firefly' is a small-sized cultivar derived from the pod parent *H. 'Neat Splash'* and the pollen parent (*H. 'Crepe Suzette'* × *H. 'Buckshaw Blue'*). Its most distinctive feature is a vigorous white leaf center bordered by a wide, flat margin of medium to dark green, producing a tricolor effect when combined with the blue-green ground color of the leaf blade.
In the Garden
'Forest Firefly' forms a compact mound 11 inches (27.9 cm) tall and 29 inches (73.7 cm) in diameter, with a medium to fast growth rate. It is suitable for partial to full shade in typical hosta-growing zones and performs well in rock gardens, container plantings, or as a front-of-border specimen. The small size and cupped, ovate leaves make it an effective companion for ferns, heucheras, or other small hostas.
Care Notes
Water regularly during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage foliage, so monitoring and protective measures are advisable in susceptible gardens.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 11 in (27.9 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 29 in (73.7 cm) |
| Leaf length | 7 in (17.8 cm) |
| Leaf width | 4 in (10.2 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 8 |
| Leaf | yellow to creamy white with 1 to 1.75in (2.5 to 4.4cm) wide, medium to dark green, flat margins; slightly shiny on top; slight glaucous bloom underneath; moderately cupped |
| Flower scape height | 15–17 in (38.1–43.2 cm) |
| Seasonal colour change | center becomes near white |
| Notable characteristics | vigorous white centered with two c9olors, wide edge giving tri-color, inverted cupped leaves, cupped white scape, with bracts matching leaf pattern |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Neat Splash' — H. ‘Neat Splash’
- Pollen parent: (H. 'Crepe Suzette' x H. 'Buckshaw Blue') — H. ‘Crepe Suzette’, H. ‘Buckshaw Blue’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-6a, small size):
- H. ‘Firestorm’ (2007)
- H. ‘Americana’ (2006)
- H. ‘Dinky Donna’ (2011)
- H. ‘Rainbow's End’ (2005)
- H. ‘Sting’ (2011)
- H. ‘June Fever’ (2004)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #1841