H. ‘Irish Eyes’
Hosta ‘Irish Eyes’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 1999 |
|---|---|
| Section class | III-4b (Medium) |
Overview
Registered in 1999, *Hosta* 'Irish Eyes' is a medium-sized cultivar resulting from a cross between *H. 'Beatrice'* (pod parent) and *H. 'Reginald Kay'* (pollen parent). It is visually distinctive for its medium green leaves with creamy white, slightly rippled margins, forming a dense, mound-like habit.
In the Garden
'Hosta 'Irish Eyes' reaches a mature diameter of 36 inches (91.4 cm) and a height of 18 inches (45.7 cm), with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its variegated foliage remains most vibrant. The plant's medium size and mound shape make it suitable for border fronts, woodland gardens, or as a groundcover beneath deciduous trees; it pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other shade-tolerant perennials.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may feed on the foliage, so monitor regularly and use appropriate deterrents if needed.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 18 in (45.7 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 36 in (91.4 cm) |
| Leaf length | 7 in (17.8 cm) |
| Leaf width | 5 in (12.7 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 10 |
| Leaf | medium green with .5in (1.3cm) wide, creamy white, slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; dull underneath |
| Flower scape height | 21–23 in (53.3–58.4 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Beatrice'
- Pollen parent: H. 'Reginald Kay'
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (III-4b, medium size):
- H. ‘Lakeside Beloved’ (1999)
- H. ‘Aristocrat’ (1997)
- H. ‘El Niño’ (2003)
- H. ‘Applause’ (2006)
- H. ‘Patriot’ (1991)
- H. ‘Quiet Waters’ (2008)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #2748