H. ‘John Wargo’

Overview

Registered in 1986 by H. Weissenberger, this small hosta originated as a hybrid of *Hosta nigrescens*. Its distinctive variegated foliage features medium green margins with a lighter center, borne on plants reaching 10 inches (25.4 cm) in height and 24 inches (61.0 cm) in diameter.

In the Garden

'John Wargo' performs best in partial to full shade, where its compact habit makes it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container plantings. At maturity, it forms a low, spreading clump with leaves 6 inches (15.2 cm) long and 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) wide, each with six vein pairs. It pairs well with other small shade perennials such as heucheras, ferns, or dwarf astilbes, and its modest size allows it to fit into tight spaces or small garden beds.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, especially in warmer climates, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.