H. ‘Phantom’

Overview

Registered in 1995 by R. Solberg and J. & J. Wilkins, *Hosta* 'Phantom' is a large, mound-forming cultivar derived from a hybrid of *H. 'Riptide'*. It is visually distinguished by its heavily rippled, dark green leaf margins, blue-green leaf centers, and a prominent glaucous bloom on both leaf surfaces.

In the Garden

'Phantom' performs best in partial to full shade, typical of most hostas, and reaches a mature size of 18 inches (45.7 cm) in height and 33 inches (83.8 cm) in diameter. Its substantial foliage and moderate growth rate make it suitable for mid-border or specimen placement in woodland gardens, where it pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials. The tall, glaucous purple scapes (30 to 35 inches / 76.2 to 88.9 cm) bear lavender flowers in midsummer.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many large-leaved hostas, 'Phantom' is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.