H. ‘Moonlight Sonata’
Hosta ‘Moonlight Sonata’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Section class | I-2 (Giant) |
Overview
Registered in 2004, 'Moonlight Sonata' is a giant hosta cultivar resulting from a cross between *H.* 'Invincible' and *H.* 'Northern Halo'. It is visually distinctive for its large, nearly round leaves of medium blue-green with slightly rippled margins, a glaucous bloom on both surfaces, and fragrant flowers borne on tall scapes.
In the Garden
'Moonlight Sonata' forms a fast-growing, mound-like clump reaching 26 inches (66.0 cm) in height and 55 inches (139.7 cm) in diameter. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for blue-leaved hostas, where its glaucous foliage holds color well. Its substantial size makes it suitable as a specimen or background plant in woodland borders, paired with ferns or shade-tolerant perennials; it is not suited for container culture.
Care Notes
Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, especially during dry periods. Fertilize in early spring as new growth emerges. The thick, corrugated leaves offer moderate resistance to slugs, though deer may browse young shoots in typical hosta-growing zones.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 26 in (66 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 55 in (139.7 cm) |
| Leaf length | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
| Leaf width | 11 in (27.9 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 14 |
| Leaf | medium blue green slightly rippled margins; glaucous bloom on top; glaucous bloom underneath; moderately corrugated, lightly wavy and lightly cupped |
| Flower scape height | 38–40 in (96.5–101.6 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | large vigorous blue-green with fragrant flowers |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Invincible' — H. ‘Invincible’
- Pollen parent: H. 'Northern Halo' — H. ‘Northern Halo’
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Moonlight Sonata’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Great River Sonata’ (sport)
- H. ‘Moonlight Mirage’ (sport)
- H. ‘Ode to Joy’ (sport)
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (I-2, giant size):
- H. ‘Eola Sapphire’ (2004)
- H. ‘Gentle Giant’ (2005)
- H. ‘Clear Fork River Valley’ (2007)
- H. ‘Creek’ (2007)
- H. ‘Big and Blue’ (2000)
- H. ‘Abiqua Elephant Ears’ (1999)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3891