Varieties / Hosta

H. ‘Game Boy’

Hosta 'Game Boy'
Illustration: The Hosta Farm Editorial Team.

Hosta ‘Game Boy’ is a registered cultivar () .

Year registered2011
Section classIII-7

Overview

A sport of *Hosta* 'Liberty', 'Game Boy' was registered in 2011 and is notable for its centered, unique variegation pattern: green leaves with cream and white flaming and streaking that extends inward from the margins. This medium-sized cultivar produces upright, moderately flat, elliptic leaves with very shiny upper surfaces and slightly shiny undersides, each with nine vein pairs and tapered bases.

In the Garden

'Game Boy' forms a clump 31.5 inches (80.0 cm) in diameter and 19.7 inches (50.0 cm) tall, with a moderate growth rate. It is reported to be sun resistant, making it suitable for sites that receive more light than typical hostas, though it performs best in partial shade to filtered sun in typical hosta-growing zones. The green scapes reach 27.6 inches (70.1 cm) in height. This cultivar works well as a specimen or in mixed shade borders, and its upright habit allows it to pair effectively with ferns, heucheras, and other shade perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Game Boy' may be susceptible to slug and deer damage, though its thick leaves offer some resistance.

Registration data: AHS Registry #1891