H. ‘Golden Surprise’

Hosta 'Golden Surprise'
Illustration: The Hosta Farm Editorial Team.

Hosta ‘Golden Surprise’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by L. Simpers & P. Ruh.

Year registered1991
RegistrantL. Simpers & P. Ruh
Section classIV-3 (Small)

Overview

Registered in 1991 by L. Simpers and P. Ruh, this small hosta is a hybrid of *Hosta nakaiana*. Its distinguishing feature is a green leaf blade with gold margins, the latter exhibiting yellow-chartreuse tones and slight undulations.

In the Garden

'Hosta 'Golden Surprise' reaches a mature diameter of 16 inches (40.6 cm) and a height of 11 inches (27.9 cm), placing it in the small size class. It performs best in partial shade to dappled light, typical for gold-margined cultivars, and is well-suited to rock gardens, troughs, or the front of borders. Its compact habit also makes it appropriate for container culture.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer precautions are advisable for this cultivar, as for most hostas.

Size and leaf

Clump height11 in (27.9 cm)
Clump width16 in (40.6 cm)
Leaf length4 in (10.2 cm)
Leaf width2.5 in (6.4 cm)
Vein pairs6
Leafyellow chartreuse slight undulations margins
Flower scape height13.5 in (34.3 cm)

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

  • Pod parent: Hybrid of H. nakaiana

Similar cultivars

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

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #2203