H. ‘Iowa Hawkeye’

Overview

Registered in 2006 by R. Kuenster, 'Iowa Hawkeye' is a medium-sized hosta cultivar that originated as a reversed sport of *Hosta* 'Wolverine'. The plant is visually distinctive for its yellow leaves with dark green, slightly rippled margins, a color pattern opposite to that of its parent.

In the Garden

'Iowa Hawkeye' forms a mound-like clump reaching 32 inches (81.3 cm) in diameter and 17 inches (43.2 cm) in height. Its leaves are ovate with cordate bases, lightly twisted, and measure 8.25 inches (21.0 cm) long by 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) wide, with 8 to 10 vein pairs. The leaf surfaces are slightly shiny both above and below. The scapes rise 36 to 40 inches (91.4 to 101.6 cm) tall. This cultivar performs best in partial to full shade and pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials. Its medium size makes it suitable for mid-border positions in woodland gardens.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Iowa Hawkeye' may require protection from slugs and deer in garden settings.