H. ‘Gandalf’

Overview

Registered in 1999, 'Gandalf' is a medium-sized hosta cultivar resulting from a cross between H. 'Neat Splash' (pod parent) and H. 'Elegans' (pollen parent). It is visually distinctive for its blue-green leaves with wide, creamy white margins and a pronounced glaucous bloom on both leaf surfaces.

In the Garden

'Gandalf' forms a dense, mound-like clump reaching 21 inches (53.3 cm) in height and 40 inches (101.6 cm) in diameter at maturity. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of most hostas, and is suitable for borders, woodland gardens, or as a specimen plant. Its medium size and bold variegation make it an effective companion for ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many hostas, 'Gandalf' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.