H. ‘Itty Rainbow’
Hosta ‘Itty Rainbow’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2012 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-7 (Small) |
Overview
A sport of *Hosta* 'Con Te Partiro', 'Itty Rainbow' was registered in 2012 and is classified as a small-sized cultivar. Its most distinctive feature is the heavily streaked blue-green leaf center with white margins, a pattern that gives the foliage a variegated, almost painted appearance.
In the Garden
'Itty Rainbow' forms a dense, mound-like clump reaching 8 inches (20.3 cm) in height and 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and its small stature makes it well-suited for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders. The narrowly ovate leaves, measuring 3 inches (7.6 cm) long by 2 inches (5.1 cm) wide, have a glaucous bloom on both surfaces and moderately wavy edges.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 8 in (20.3 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 18 in (45.7 cm) |
| Leaf length | 3 in (7.6 cm) |
| Leaf width | 2 in (5.1 cm) |
| Leaf | green heavily streaked with white flat margins; glaucous bloom on top; glaucous bloom underneath; moderately wavy |
| Flower scape height | 12–15 in (30.5–38.1 cm) |
| Seasonal colour change | bluish coloring early in the season |
| Notable characteristics | heavily streaked small sized plant |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Con Te Partiro' — H. ‘Con Te Partiro’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-7, small size):
- H. ‘Lodikito’ (2013)
- H. ‘Ray of Hope’ (2005)
- H. ‘Stars and Stripes’ (2000)
- H. ‘Bossy Pants’ (2012)
- H. ‘Coach Millboy Miller’ (2012)
- H. ‘Country Cousin’ (2012)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #2786