H. ‘Hampshire County’

Overview

Registered in 1993, this medium-sized hosta cultivar resulted from a cross of *Hosta* 'Banana Sundae' and *Hosta* 'Sea Drift' (pod parent) with *Hosta* 'Blue Shadows' (pollen parent). Its most distinctive feature is the combination of medium blue-green leaf centers with wide (1.5in/3.8cm), creamy white, smooth margins, the leaves bearing a glaucous bloom on the undersides and a dull upper surface.

In the Garden

'Hampshire County' forms a clump 30in (76.2cm) in diameter and 24in (61.0cm) in height, with leaves 9.25in (23.5cm) long and 6in (15.2cm) wide. It performs best in partial to full shade, as is typical for blue-green hostas, and the white margins may show reduced contrast in deep shade. The dark green scapes reach 28in (71.1cm) in height. This cultivar pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other shade-tolerant perennials of similar scale.

Care Notes

Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first growing season. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The glaucous leaf coating may be damaged by overhead watering in full sun. Typical slug and deer resistance for the species applies; the thick, smooth leaves are moderately resistant to slugs.