H. ‘Gay Nineties’

Overview

Registered in 1994, *Hosta* 'Gay Nineties' is a small-sized cultivar resulting from a cross between *H. 'William Lachman'* (pod parent) and *H. montana* (pollen parent). The plant is visually defined by its dark green leaves with broad, white, slightly rippled margins and a pronounced contrast between the slightly shiny upper surface and very shiny underside.

In the Garden

'Gay Nineties' forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching 11 inches (27.9 cm) in height and 21 inches (53.3 cm) in diameter. It is suitable for partial to full shade in typical hosta-growing zones, where its small stature makes it an effective edging plant or accent in rock gardens and container plantings. The dark green scapes, 20 to 23 inches (50.8 to 58.4 cm) tall, bear pale lavender flowers in midsummer.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage foliage, so monitoring and protective measures are advisable in susceptible gardens.