H. ‘Gold Cadet’

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

Hosta ‘Gold Cadet’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by P. Aden.

Year registered1974
RegistrantP. Aden
Section classIV-3 (Small)

Overview

Registered in 1974 by P. Aden, this small hosta cultivar arose from a hybrid of two seedlings. Hosta 'Gold Cadet' is distinguished by its narrow, lanceolate green leaves edged with yellow-chartreuse margins, forming a compact mound 8 inches (20.3 cm) tall and 12 inches (30.5 cm) in diameter.

In the Garden

'Gold Cadet' performs best in partial to full shade, where its gold margins remain most vibrant. At maturity, this diminutive hosta reaches 8 inches in height with a 12-inch spread, making it suitable for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders. It pairs well with small ferns, Heuchera, or miniature Epimedium species, and its compact size makes it an excellent candidate for container cultivation.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in dry spells, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new shoots emerge. Like most hostas, 'Gold Cadet' is susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitor regularly and apply control measures as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.

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 height8 in (20.3 cm)
Clump width12 in (30.5 cm)
Leaf length8 in (20.3 cm)
Leaf width2 in (5.1 cm)
Vein pairs8
Flower scape height14 in (35.6 cm)

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

  • Pod parent: Hybrid of two seedlings

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-3, small size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #2114. How we check this data.