H. ‘Lionheart’
Hosta ‘Lionheart’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Section class | III-6a (Medium) |
Overview
A sport of *Hosta* 'Robin Hood' registered in 2009, 'Lionheart' is a medium-sized cultivar distinguished by its reverse-variegated foliage: a pure white leaf center framed by medium blue-green margins. The broad, lightly corrugated leaves are broadly ovate with cordate bases and carry a glaucous bloom on both surfaces.
In the Garden
'Lionheart' forms a slow-growing, mound-like clump reaching 14 inches (35.6 cm) in height and 30 inches (76.2 cm) in diameter, making it suitable for mid-border positions or as a specimen in shade gardens. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the white leaf centers remain stable and do not scorch. Companion plantings with fine-textured ferns or dark-leaved heucheras provide contrast; its moderate size also suits container cultivation.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. Standard hosta pests include slugs and snails, which may damage the tender white leaf tissue; deer are also known to browse hostas in typical hosta-growing zones.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 14 in (35.6 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 30 in (76.2 cm) |
| Leaf length | 8 in (20.3 cm) |
| Leaf width | 6 in (15.2 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 12 |
| Leaf | pure white with 2in (5.1cm) wide, medium blue-green, flat margins; glaucous bloom on top; glaucous bloom underneath; lightly corrugated |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Robin Hood' — H. ‘Robin Hood’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (III-6a, medium size):
- H. ‘Vulcan’ (2007)
- H. ‘Andrew’ (2006)
- H. ‘Broad Street’ (2012)
- H. ‘Lakeside Paisley Print’ (2006)
- H. ‘American Sweetheart’ (2002)
- H. ‘Proud Peacock’ (2016)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3420