H. ‘Joe the Plumber’

Overview

Registered in 2012 by an unknown hybridizer, 'Joe the Plumber' is a small-sized hosta cultivar distinguished by its green leaves with gold margins and a distinctive streaked yellow and green pattern along the flat leaf edges. The ovate leaves, measuring 5 inches (12.7 cm) long and 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) wide, feature five vein pairs, a tapered base, and a dull surface on both sides.

In the Garden

This compact, mound-forming hosta reaches a mature height of 12 inches (30.5 cm) and a spread of 9 inches (22.9 cm), with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of most hostas, and is well-suited for small garden spaces, rock gardens, or the front of shaded borders. Its small size also makes it an excellent candidate for container cultivation. Green scapes rise 10 to 12 inches (25.4 to 30.5 cm) above the foliage.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Joe the Plumber' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so appropriate deterrents may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.