H. ‘Route 66’

Overview

Registered in 2005 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Three Sisters', 'Route 66' is a large, mound-forming cultivar distinguished by its blue-green leaves with medium gold, flat margins. The broadly ovate, lightly cupped foliage reaches 10 inches (25.4 cm) in length and 8 inches (20.4 cm) in width, with 12 pairs of veins and a glaucous bloom on the undersides.

In the Garden

'Route 66' forms a substantial mound 20 inches (50.8 cm) in height and 45 inches (114.3 cm) in diameter, making it suitable as a specimen or for mid-border placement in partial to full shade. Its large, blue-green leaves with gold margins pair well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials that contrast in texture or color. The scapes rise 24 to 36 inches (61.0 to 91.4 cm) above the foliage, bearing lavender flowers in midsummer.

Care Notes

Plant in moist, well-drained soil and water regularly during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, slug and deer damage may occur in shaded garden settings.