H. ‘Illicit Affair’
Hosta ‘Illicit Affair’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by Winterberry Farms & J. Anderson.
| Year registered | 2003 |
|---|---|
| Originator | Winterberry Farms & J. Anderson |
| Section class | V-5b (Miniature) |
Overview
Registered in 2003 by Winterberry Farms and J. Anderson, this miniature hosta is a sport of Hosta 'Cheatin Heart'. It is visually distinctive for its unusual color development: emerging all gold, then maturing to a medium green leaf center with a narrow, golden yellow margin.
In the Garden
'Hellicit Affair' forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching 3 inches (7.6 cm) in height and 7 inches (17.8 cm) in diameter, with a medium-fast growth rate. Its small size and nearly round, moderately flat, lightly wavy leaves make it well suited for troughs, rock gardens, or the front of a shaded border. It performs best in partial to full shade and pairs well with other miniature hostas or small woodland perennials such as Heuchera or Tiarella.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage foliage, so monitor and manage as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.
This summary was generated with AI from the registry record and has not been reviewed yet; the registry data on this page is the reference. How we use AI.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 3 in (7.6 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 7 in (17.8 cm) |
| Leaf length | 2.5 in (6.4 cm) |
| Leaf width | 1.5 in (3.8 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 4 |
| Leaf | medium green with .25in (0.6cm) wide, golden yellow, flat margins; dull on top; dull underneath; nearly round moderately flat and lightly wavy |
| Flower scape height | 7–10 in (17.8–25.4 cm) |
| Seasonal colour change | leaves emerge yellow and turn center turns green |
| Notable characteristics | unusual color change from all gold to green center variegation |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Cheatin Heart' — H. ‘Cheatin Heart’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (V-5b, miniature size):
- H. ‘Kinbotan’ (2002)
- H. ‘Lakeside Slick Chick’ (2004)
- H. ‘Hush Puppie’ (2005)
- H. ‘Lemon Delight’ (2005)
- H. ‘Fairy Frizzle’ (2006)
- H. ‘Lakeside Bugaboo’ (2000)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #2699. How we check this data.