H. ‘Honey Bear’
Hosta ‘Honey Bear’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2016 |
|---|---|
| Section class | II-5b (Large) |
Overview
Registered in 2016 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Honey Pie', 'Honey Bear' is a large, mound-forming cultivar distinguished by its blue-green leaves with wide, golden yellow margins. The foliage is broadly ovate with cordate bases, lightly wavy margins, and moderate corrugation, while the leaf undersides carry a glaucous bloom.
In the Garden
'Honey Bear' reaches approximately 18 inches (45.7 cm) in height and spreads to 40 inches (101.6 cm) in diameter, forming a dense, fast-growing clump. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, where the gold margins hold their color without scorching, and is suitable for typical hosta-growing zones. Its substantial size and rapid growth rate make it effective as a groundcover or specimen in woodland borders, where it pairs well with ferns and shade-tolerant perennials.
Care Notes
Water regularly during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The thick, puckered leaves offer moderate slug resistance, though standard slug control measures may be necessary in persistently damp conditions.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 18 in (45.7 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 40 in (101.6 cm) |
| Leaf length | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
| Leaf width | 7.5 in (19.1 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 11 |
| Leaf | dark green with .75 to 1in (1.9 to 2.5cm) wide, golden yellow, slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; glaucous bloom underneath; lightly wavy and moderately corrugated overall. |
| Notable characteristics | Dark green centered, yellow margined large hosta with fragrant flowers, puckered leaves and rapid growth rate. |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Honey Pie' — H. ‘Honey Pie’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-5b, large size):
- H. ‘Andy Murray’ (2013)
- H. ‘August Beauty’ (2009)
- H. ‘Afternoon Delight’ (2003)
- H. ‘Arc de Triomphe’ (2000)
- H. ‘Band of Gold’ (1999)
- H. ‘Blue River’ (1998)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #2603