H. ‘Ponytail’

Overview

Registered in 2009 by D. Beilstein and M. Zilis, *Hosta* 'Ponytail' is a medium-sized cultivar derived from a cross between *H.* 'Sea Prize' (pod parent) and *H.* 'Komodo Dragon' (pollen parent). Its most distinctive feature is the blue-green leaf surface with golden yellow marginal streaking, combined with a dull upper surface and glaucous bloom beneath.

In the Garden

This cultivar forms a mound-like clump reaching 18 inches (45.7 cm) in height and 34 inches (86.4 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the blue-green foliage and gold margins develop their strongest coloration. The 9-inch (22.9 cm) long by 6-inch (15.2 cm) wide leaves are ovate with cordate bases, lightly wavy and lightly corrugated, bearing 11 to 12 pairs of veins. The scape reaches 37 inches (94.0 cm) in height. Suitable companions include ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials in woodland garden settings.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard hosta care applies for typical hosta-growing zones; monitor for slug and deer damage, particularly on the tender new foliage.