H. ‘Greased Lightning’

Overview

Registered in 2005 by B. Kuk, this large sport of *Hosta* 'Prairie Fire' is distinguished by its highly glossy, golden yellow leaves with broad, variable creamy yellow margins. The foliage exhibits an outstanding color contrast, with the bright leaf center set against the lighter marginal band.

In the Garden

'Greased Lightning' forms an upright, moderate-growing clump reaching 21 inches (53.3 cm) in height and 32 inches (81.3 cm) in diameter. Its large, ovate leaves—12 inches (30.5 cm) long and 5.5 inches (14.0 cm) wide—feature 13 to 14 vein pairs, a tapered base, and lightly wavy, lightly corrugated texture. The scapes rise 24 to 28 inches (61.0 to 71.1 cm) above the foliage. This cultivar performs best in partial to dappled shade, where the leaf sheen is most pronounced. It pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials of similar scale.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season; apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, slug and deer damage may occur and should be managed where these pests are prevalent.