H. ‘Painted Lady’

Overview

Registered in 1984 by R. Benedict as a sport of an unidentified parent, *Hosta* 'Painted Lady' is a small-sized cultivar distinguished by its green leaves with creamy white margins that are streaked with green. The foliage measures 4 inches (10.2 cm) in length and 1.75 inches (4.4 cm) in width, with four vein pairs, and the plant forms a compact mound 8 inches (20.3 cm) tall and 10 inches (25.4 cm) in diameter.

In the Garden

'Painted Lady' is suited to partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and its small stature makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, container plantings, or the front of shaded borders. The mature plant reaches approximately 8 inches (20.3 cm) in height and 10 inches (25.4 cm) in spread, with a scape that can extend up to 24 inches (61.0 cm) tall. It pairs well with other small shade perennials such as ferns or heucheras, and its compact size allows for use in troughs or small pots.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage foliage, so monitor regularly and use barriers or repellents as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.