H. ‘Leather Sheen’

Hosta 'Leather Sheen'
Illustration: The Hosta Farm Editorial Team.

Hosta ‘Leather Sheen’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by M. Zilis & D. Lohman.

Year registered1988
RegistrantM. Zilis & D. Lohman
Section classIV-1 (Small)

Overview

Registered in 1988 by M. Zilis and D. Lohman, this small hosta resulted from a cross between *Hosta* 'Sum and Substance' (pod parent) and *Hosta venusta* (pollen parent). 'Leather Sheen' is distinguished by its glossy, dark green leaf margins and variegated foliage, with leaves measuring 7 inches (17.8 cm) long and 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide, bearing approximately 10 vein pairs.

In the Garden

'Leather Sheen' forms a compact clump reaching 15 inches (38.1 cm) in height and 30 inches (76.2 cm) in diameter, making it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container plantings. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other small woodland perennials. Its small size and glossy foliage make it an effective groundcover in shaded areas.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, slug and deer damage may occur; monitor regularly and take protective measures if needed.

Size and leaf

Clump height15 in (38.1 cm)
Clump width30 in (76.2 cm)
Leaf length7 in (17.8 cm)
Leaf width3 in (7.6 cm)
Vein pairs10
Leafglossy on top
Flower scape height30 in (76.2 cm)

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Leather Sheen’ as a parent:

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-1, small size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #3333