H. ‘Kalamazoo’

Overview

Registered in 2008 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Valley's Top', 'Kalamazoo' is a medium-sized cultivar distinguished by its blue-green leaves with greenish-white margins that intensify to white as the season progresses. The foliage is notably glossy on the upper surface with a glaucous bloom beneath, and the leaf margins exhibit a slight ripple.

In the Garden

'Kalamazoo' forms an upright to mound-like clump reaching approximately 20 inches (50 cm) in diameter and 28 inches (70 cm) in height, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the blue-green leaf color and white margins are most pronounced. This cultivar pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other shade-tolerant perennials; its medium size makes it suitable for border fronts or woodland garden settings.

Care Notes

Water regularly during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Kalamazoo' is susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitor accordingly in typical hosta-growing zones.