H. ‘Michael S. Flaherty’

Overview

Registered in 2014, *Hosta* 'Michael S. Flaherty' is a medium-sized cultivar of unknown pollen parent, with *H.* 'Granary Gold' as the pod parent. It is visually distinctive for its green leaves with gold margins that emerge yellow in spring, combined with a lightly corrugated, broadly ovate leaf blade and a dull surface on both sides.

In the Garden

This cultivar forms a moderate-growing, mound-like clump reaching 19 inches (48.3 cm) in height and 43 inches (109.2 cm) in diameter. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, where its gold margins remain most vivid. Its medium size and rounded habit make it suitable for mid-border positions or as a groundcover beneath deciduous trees; it pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain evenly moist, well-drained soil, especially during dry spells. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage foliage; monitor and manage as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.