H. ‘Pathfinder’
Hosta ‘Pathfinder’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 1999 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-6a (Small) |
Overview
A sport of *Hosta* 'Francee' registered in 1999, 'Pathfinder' is a small, slow-growing cultivar distinguished by its blue-green leaves with creamy white margins and a contrasting dark green, slightly rippled border. The leaf blades are cordate at the base, measure 5 inches (12.7 cm) in both length and width, and bear 18 to 20 vein pairs; the upper surface is slightly shiny, while the underside carries a glaucous bloom.
In the Garden
'Pathfinder' reaches a mature diameter of 22 inches (55.9 cm) and a height of 12 inches (30.5 cm), with upright foliage. It performs best in partial to full shade, as is typical for blue-green hostas, and pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other small woodland perennials. Its compact size makes it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or containers.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture during the growing season; apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. As with most hostas, monitor for slug and deer damage, particularly in shaded, moist sites.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 22 in (55.9 cm) |
| Leaf length | 5 in (12.7 cm) |
| Leaf width | 5 in (12.7 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 20 |
| Leaf | creamy white with 1in (2.5cm) wide, dark green, slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; glaucous bloom underneath |
| Flower scape height | 14–24 in (35.6–61.0 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Francee' — H. ‘Francee’
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Pathfinder’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Cotton Candy’ (sport)
- H. ‘High Country’ (sport)
- H. ‘Hypnosis’ (sport)
- H. ‘Olympic Glacier’ (sport)
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-6a, small size):
- H. ‘Fire and Ice’ (1999)
- H. ‘White Christmas’ (1999)
- H. ‘Allegan Fog’ (2000)
- H. ‘Clifford's Stingray’ (2000)
- H. ‘Lakeside Cupcake’ (1998)
- H. ‘Loyalist’ (1998)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #4240