H. ‘Lunar Orbit’
Hosta ‘Lunar Orbit’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by R. Lydell.
| Year registered | 1991 |
|---|---|
| Registrant | R. Lydell |
| Section class | III-6a (Medium) |
Overview
Registered in 1991 by R. Lydell, *Hosta* 'Lunar Orbit' is a medium-sized sport of *Hosta* 'August Moon'. It is visually distinctive for its green leaf centers with broad, irregular gold margins, a color pattern that reverses the typical gold-centered, green-margined appearance of its parent.
In the Garden
This cultivar forms a dense, mounding clump reaching 12 inches (30.5 cm) in height and 30 inches (76.2 cm) in diameter. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the gold margins are most vivid, though it can tolerate some morning sun. With its medium size and bold foliage, 'Lunar Orbit' works well as a specimen in the shade border or as a groundcover under deciduous trees; it pairs effectively with ferns, *Heuchera*, and other shade-tolerant perennials. Its moderate size also makes it suitable for larger containers.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Lunar Orbit' is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 30 in (76.2 cm) |
| Leaf length | 7 in (17.8 cm) |
| Leaf width | 5 in (12.7 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 7 |
| Flower scape height | 24 in (61.0 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'August Moon' — H. ‘August Moon’
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Lunar Orbit’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Lunar Magic’ (sport)
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (III-6a, medium size):
- H. ‘Guacamole’ (1994)
- H. ‘Avocado’ (1998)
- H. ‘American Sweetheart’ (2002)
- H. ‘Andrew’ (2006)
- H. ‘Gold Standard’ (1976)
- H. ‘Lakeside Paisley Print’ (2006)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3565