H. ‘Richland Surprise’

AI-generated watercolor illustration of Hosta 'Richland Surprise' (not a photograph)
AI-generated watercolor illustration by The Hosta Farm — not a photograph of this cultivar. How we use images

Hosta ‘Richland Surprise’ is a registered cultivar () .

Year registered1999
Section classIII-4b (Medium)

Overview

Registered in 1999, 'Richland Surprise' is a medium-sized sport of Hosta 'Splish Splash' distinguished by its blue-green leaves with broad, creamy white margins. The foliage exhibits a glaucous bloom on both surfaces, with the white margin extending approximately 2 inches (5.1 cm) inward from the leaf edge.

In the Garden

This cultivar forms a dense, mound-like clump reaching 24 inches (61.0 cm) in height and 36 inches (91.4 cm) in diameter, with leaves measuring 8 inches (20.3 cm) long and 6 inches (15.2 cm) wide. The green scapes rise 30 to 34 inches (76.2 to 86.4 cm) above the foliage. It performs best in partial to full shade, as is typical for variegated hostas, and pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade perennials. Its medium size makes it suitable for mid-border positions or as a specimen in woodland gardens.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer deterrents are recommended, as both pests may damage the foliage.

This summary was generated with AI from the registry record and has not been reviewed yet; the registry data on this page is the reference. How we use AI.

Size and leaf

Clump height24 in (61 cm)
Clump width36 in (91.4 cm)
Leaf length8 in (20.3 cm)
Leaf width6 in (15.2 cm)
Vein pairs11
Leafdark green with 2in (5.1cm) wide, creamy white, slightly rippled margins; glaucous bloom on top; glaucous bloom underneath
Flower scape height30–34 in (76.2–86.4 cm)

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

  • Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Splish Splash'

Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Richland Surprise’ as a parent:

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (III-4b, medium size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #4672. How we check this data.