H. ‘Northern Sunray’

Overview

Registered in 1987 by Walters Gardens, Inc., *Hosta* 'Northern Sunray' is a sport of *H. 'Elegans'* distinguished by its large, blue-green leaves with broad white margins. The foliage measures 12 inches (30.5 cm) long by 8 inches (20.3 cm) wide, with 6 to 7 pairs of veins, and the plant forms a substantial mound 36 inches (91.4 cm) in diameter and 36 inches (91.4 cm) tall.

In the Garden

This large cultivar is best suited to partial to full shade, where its blue-green centers and white margins remain most stable. With a mature spread of 3 feet (91 cm) and height of 3 feet (91 cm), it functions well as a specimen or in the middle to back of a shaded border. It pairs effectively with ferns, *Heuchera*, and other shade-tolerant perennials; its large size makes it unsuitable for container culture.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain even moisture, especially during dry periods. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as shoots emerge. The thick leaves offer moderate slug resistance, though deer may browse the foliage in typical hosta-growing zones.