H. ‘Polychrome’

Overview

Registered in 1998 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Emerald Crown', 'Polychrome' is a small variegated cultivar distinguished by dark green leaves with flat, streaked margins. The foliage exhibits a slightly shiny upper surface and a very shiny underside, with rounded leaf bases and seven pairs of veins.

In the Garden

'Polychrome' forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching 9 inches (22.9 cm) in height and 22 inches (55.9 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and its small size makes it well-suited for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders. Companion plants include small ferns, heucheras, or dwarf astilbes.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, monitor for slug and deer damage, particularly in shaded, moist conditions.