H. ‘Moonlight Madness’

Hosta 'Moonlight Madness'
Illustration: The Hosta Farm Editorial Team.

Hosta ‘Moonlight Madness’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by H. Sugita.

Year registered1999
OriginatorH. Sugita
Section classI-5a (Giant)

Overview

Registered in 1999 by Japanese breeder H. Sugita, 'Moonlight Madness' is a giant hybrid derived from *Hosta sieboldiana*. The cultivar is distinguished by its large, heavily rippled leaves with green centers and broad, golden yellow to light gold margins, combined with a dull surface texture on both sides.

In the Garden

'Moonlight Madness' reaches a mature spread of 40 inches (101.6 cm) and a height of 33 inches (83.8 cm), with an upright growth habit and moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, as is typical for hostas, and pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials. Its substantial size makes it suitable as a specimen plant or as a backdrop in larger border plantings.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most large-leaved hostas, 'Moonlight Madness' is susceptible to slug and deer damage; protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.

Size and leaf

Clump height33 in (83.8 cm)
Clump width40 in (101.6 cm)
Leaf length15.25 in (38.7 cm)
Leaf width9.25 in (23.5 cm)
Vein pairs16
Leafgolden yellow light yellow gold, heavy ripples margins; dull on top; dull underneath
Flower scape height31.5 in (80.0 cm)

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

  • Pod parent: Hybrid of H. sieboldiana

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (I-5a, giant size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #3889