H. ‘Fountain of Youth’

Overview

Registered in 2003 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Green Fountain', 'Fountain of Youth' is a small-sized cultivar distinguished by its dark green leaves with wide, heavily rippled white margins and a very shiny surface on both sides. The ovate leaves, measuring 5 inches (12.7 cm) long and 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide with six to seven vein pairs, display a 0.75-inch (1.9 cm) white border that provides strong color contrast.

In the Garden

This cultivar forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching 8 inches (20.3 cm) in height and 20 inches (50.8 cm) in diameter, with a fast growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and its small size makes it suitable for rock gardens, container plantings, or the front of shaded borders. Green-flowered scapes rise 37 to 43 inches (94.0 to 109.2 cm) above the foliage in summer.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, applying a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, protect from deer and monitor for slug damage, particularly on the tender new foliage in spring.