H. ‘Gay Feather’

AI-generated watercolor illustration of Hosta 'Gay Feather' (not a photograph)
AI-generated watercolor illustration by The Hosta Farm — not a photograph of this cultivar. How we use images

Hosta ‘Gay Feather’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by R. Benedict.

Year registered1983
RegistrantR. Benedict
Section classIV-6a (Small)

Overview

Registered in 1983 by R. Benedict, this small hosta is a sport of Hosta 'Yellow Splash'. It is visually distinctive for its reverse coloration: a creamy white leaf center bordered by a wide, dark green margin, a pattern opposite to the typical green-center, white-margin variegation.

In the Garden

'Hosta 'Gay Feather' reaches a mature size of 12 inches (30.5 cm) in diameter and 14 inches (35.6 cm) in height. It is suited for partial to full shade, as with most hostas, and its small stature makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of a shaded border. It pairs well with small ferns, heucheras, or woodland groundcovers like Lamium or Vinca minor.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer deterrents are recommended, as this cultivar's tender foliage is susceptible to damage.

This summary was generated with AI from the registry record and has not been reviewed yet; the registry data on this page is the reference. How we use AI.

Size and leaf

Clump height14 in (35.6 cm)
Clump width12 in (30.5 cm)
Leaf length7 in (17.8 cm)
Leaf width2.5 in (6.4 cm)
Vein pairs4
Flower scape height34 in (86.4 cm)

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Gay Feather’ as a parent:

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-6a, small size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #2026. How we check this data.