H. ‘Lemon Zest’
Hosta ‘Lemon Zest’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-3 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2009, *Hosta* 'Lemon Zest' resulted from a cross between *H.* 'Shining Tot' (pod parent) and *H.* 'Gold Regal' (pollen parent). This small cultivar forms a dense, fast-growing mound of bright yellow foliage, with leaves bearing pale yellow margins that contrast with the green leaf centers.
In the Garden
'Lemon Zest' reaches 5 inches (12.7 cm) in height and 12 inches (30.5 cm) in diameter, making it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or trough plantings. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, where the yellow coloration remains most vivid, and pairs well with small ferns, *Heuchera*, or fine-textured sedges. Its compact size also suits container cultivation.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Lemon Zest' is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 5 in (12.7 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
| Leaf length | 4 in (10.2 cm) |
| Leaf width | 1.875 in (4.8 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 6 |
| Leaf | pale yellow flat margins; slightly shiny on top; slightly shiny underneath; lightly wavy |
| Flower scape height | 14 in (35.6 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | miniature mound of bright yellow foliage |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Shining Tot' — H. ‘Shining Tot’
- Pollen parent: H. 'Gold Regal' — H. ‘Gold Regal’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-3, small size):
- H. ‘Blonde Elf’ (2010)
- H. ‘Post-it’ (2012)
- H. ‘Peach Salsa’ (2013)
- H. ‘Little Miss Magic’ (2004)
- H. ‘Fire Island’ (1998)
- H. ‘Gold Cadet’ (1974)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3355