H. ‘Karen's Delight’

Hosta 'Karen's Delight'
Illustration: The Hosta Farm Editorial Team.

Hosta ‘Karen's Delight’ is a registered cultivar () .

Year registered2014
Section classII-4a (Large)

Overview

Registered in 2014 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Fiesta', 'Karen's Delight' is a large hosta distinguished by its seasonally changing leaf coloration. Emerging golden yellow in spring, the leaves transition through multiple shades of green while retaining a narrow, white, slightly rippled margin throughout the growing season.

In the Garden

This cultivar performs best in partial to dappled shade, typical of most hostas, where its color shift from yellow to green is most pronounced. At maturity, it forms an upright clump approximately 52 inches (132 cm) in diameter and 17 inches (43 cm) tall, with scapes reaching 38 to 42 inches (97–107 cm) in height. Its substantial size makes it suitable as a specimen or in the middle to back of shaded borders, where its white-edged leaves contrast well with darker foliage plants such as ferns or heucheras.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during dry periods, particularly in spring when foliage is emerging and expanding. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears. As with most large-leaved hostas, slug and deer damage may occur and should be managed preventatively in areas where these pests are prevalent.

Size and leaf

Clump height17 in (43.2 cm)
Clump width52 in (132.1 cm)
Leaf length12 in (30.5 cm)
Leaf width8 in (20.3 cm)
Vein pairs9
Leafgolden yellow with .125 to .25in (0.3 to 0.6cm) wide, white, slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; dull underneath
Flower scape height38–42 in (96.5–106.7 cm)
Seasonal colour changeshades of light green from July on
Notable characteristicsbegins golden yellow in spring changing to multiple shades of green all with a white edge

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-4a, large size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #2969