H. ‘Quicksilver’

Overview

Registered in 2000, this medium-sized cultivar resulted from a cross between Hosta 'Dark Star' (pod parent) and Hosta nigrescens 'Elatior' (pollen parent). 'Quicksilver' is visually distinctive for its blue-green leaves edged with creamy white margins, the leaf surface being slightly shiny above and dull beneath, with a slightly rippled margin and rounded base.

In the Garden

'Quicksilver' forms an upright clump reaching approximately 24 inches (61.0 cm) in height and 36 inches (91.4 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, as typical for blue-leaved hostas, and pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade perennials. Its medium size makes it suitable for mid-border positions in woodland gardens or shaded beds.

Care Notes

Water regularly during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Quicksilver' is susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitor for these pests and apply controls as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.