H. ‘Hideko Gowen’

Overview

Registered in 1990 by H. & D. Benedict, *Hosta* 'Hideko Gowen' is a medium-sized cultivar resulting from a self-cross of *Hosta* 'Dorothy Benedict'. It is visually distinctive for its thick, blue-green leaves with irregular gold margins, which contrast sharply with the darker leaf centers.

In the Garden

This cultivar reaches a mature height of 24 inches (61 cm) and a spread of 13 inches (33 cm), with leaves measuring 8 inches (20.3 cm) long and 7 inches (17.8 cm) wide. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the gold margins remain brightest; excessive sun may scorch the leaf edges. The scape rises to 28 inches (71.1 cm) tall, bearing pale lavender flowers in midsummer. 'Hideko Gowen' pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other shade-tolerant perennials, and its medium size suits border fronts or woodland garden settings.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage; regular monitoring and protective measures are recommended in typical hosta-growing zones.