H. ‘Parhelion’

Overview

Registered in 1997, *Hosta* 'Parhelion' is a sport of the widely grown *H. 'Sum and Substance'*. It is visually distinctive for its giant mound of light green leaves edged with a narrow, creamy white margin, a color pattern that contrasts with the solid gold-green of its parent.

In the Garden

'Parhelion' forms a large, fast-growing mound reaching 36 inches (91.4 cm) in height and 60 inches (152.4 cm) in diameter. Its substantial leaves—15 inches (38.1 cm) long and 12 inches (30.5 cm) wide—are slightly shiny above and dull beneath, with flat bases and 13 vein pairs. The 0.25-inch (0.6 cm) creamy white margins are flat. This cultivar is best sited in partial to full shade, where the leaf color remains truest; too much sun may scorch the white margins. Its large scale makes it suitable as a specimen or in the middle to back of a shade border, paired with ferns or dark-leaved heucheras. It is not recommended for containers due to its giant size.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Fertilize in early spring as growth emerges. While 'Parhelion' shows typical hosta resistance to deer, it may be browsed; slug damage is possible on the broad leaves, particularly in damp conditions.