H. ‘Parisian Silk’
Hosta ‘Parisian Silk’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Section class | III-2 (Medium) |
Overview
Registered in 2009, *Hosta* 'Parisian Silk' is a medium-sized cultivar derived from a white-backed form of *H. longipes* var. *latifolia* crossed with *H.* 'Dorset Blue'. Its most distinctive feature is an intensely blue-green leaf with a heavy glaucous bloom that accumulates most heavily toward the leaf center, creating a subtle back-lit or focused appearance against the moderately waxy margins.
In the Garden
'Parisian Silk' forms a dense, neat mound 13 inches (33.0 cm) tall and 30 inches (76.2 cm) in diameter, with a slow to medium growth rate. It performs best in partial to light shade, where its blue-green foliage holds color well, and is suitable for the middle of the border or as a specimen in typical hosta-growing zones. Its compact, rounded habit pairs effectively with finer-textured shade perennials such as ferns or *Heuchera*.
Care Notes
Water regularly to maintain even moisture, especially during dry spells; apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. The heavy glaucous bloom may be susceptible to slug damage, and deer may browse the foliage.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 13 in (33 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 30 in (76.2 cm) |
| Leaf length | 5.75 in (14.6 cm) |
| Leaf width | 5.25 in (13.3 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 11 |
| Leaf | intensely blue-green flat margins; heavy glaucous bloom on top; heavy glaucous bloom underneath; moderately cupped, lightly folded, lightly corrugated |
| Flower scape height | 13–14.5 in (33.0–36.8 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | very intense silver aqua blue, wax builds heaviest to center of leaf and only moderate at edge giving focus to center and a 'back-lit' appearance, dense, neat mound. |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: white-backed form of H. longipes var latifolia
- Pollen parent: H. 'Dorset Blue' — H. ‘Dorset Blue’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (III-2, medium size):
- H. ‘Blue Cascade’ (2009)
- H. ‘Canadian Blue’ (2009)
- H. ‘Lederhosen’ (2010)
- H. ‘Purple Rain’ (2008)
- H. ‘Delaware River’ (2005)
- H. ‘Evening Blush’ (2013)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #4226