H. ‘Moon Dance’
Hosta ‘Moon Dance’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2011 |
|---|---|
| Section class | III-4a (Medium) |
Overview
Registered in 2011, this medium-sized hosta cultivar was developed from a cross between *Hosta* 'First Impression' (pod parent) and *Hosta* 'Gig Harbor' (pollen parent). 'Moon Dance' is visually distinctive for its yellow leaves with wide, creamy white margins that are slightly rippled, and for its two-tiered coloration: older leaves fade to chartreuse while new foliage emerges bright yellow, creating a layered effect.
In the Garden
'Moon Dance' forms a mound-shaped clump reaching 18 inches (45.7 cm) in height and 42 inches (106.7 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, where the yellow leaf centers hold their color without scorching. The broad, corrugated leaves with cordate bases provide textural contrast when paired with finer-leaved perennials such as ferns or *Heuchera*; its medium size makes it suitable for mid-border positions or as a specimen in shade gardens.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Moon Dance' is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 18 in (45.7 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 42 in (106.7 cm) |
| Leaf length | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
| Leaf width | 6.5 in (16.5 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 11 |
| Leaf | yellow with .5 to .75in (1.3 to 1.9cm) wide, creamy white, slightly rippled margins; dull on top; slightly shiny underneath; lightly folded, lightly wavy, moderately corrugated |
| Flower scape height | 28–34 in (71.1–86.4 cm) |
| Seasonal colour change | yellow becomes greenish yellow and creamy white becomes near white |
| Notable characteristics | gold with wide white edge, as old leaves turn chartreuse new flush is yellow giving a two tiered appearance |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'First Impression'
- Pollen parent: H. 'Gig Harbor' — H. ‘Gig Harbor’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (III-4a, medium size):
- H. ‘Citation’ (1980)
- H. ‘Fashionista’ (2011)
- H. ‘Cowabunga’ (2010)
- H. ‘Aspen Breeze’ (2009)
- H. ‘Delta Dawn’ (2009)
- H. ‘Gosan Moon Skirt’ (2009)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3875