H. ‘Kilauea’

Overview

Registered in 2001, 'Kilauea' is a medium-sized hosta cultivar derived from a cross between *H.* 'Sea Prize' (pod parent) and *H.* 'Maekawa' (pollen parent). This cultivar is visually distinctive for its blue-green leaves with white margins that are streaked with light green, greenish yellow, pale yellow, and creamy white, combined with fire-red petioles and scapes that emerge acutely from the crown, evoking its volcanic namesake.

In the Garden

'Kilauea' forms an upright, moderate-growing clump reaching 12 inches (30.5 cm) in height and 26 inches (66.0 cm) in diameter. Its ovate, lightly cupped and corrugated leaves measure 8.25 inches (21.0 cm) long by 5.5 inches (14.0 cm) wide, with a slightly shiny upper surface and a glaucous bloom underneath; the 12 prominent vein pairs beneath each leaf add textural interest. The scapes rise 30 to 33 inches (76.2 to 83.8 cm) tall and are glaucous red, bearing flowers in midsummer. This cultivar performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and 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

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. 'Kilauea' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, common to most hostas, and benefits from typical hosta-growing zone conditions with adequate winter dormancy.