H. ‘Rutherford Birchard Hayes’

Overview

Registered in 2010 by P. & J. Ruh, this medium-sized cultivar forms a dense, fast-growing mound of ovate, slightly shiny green leaves with yellow-green, slightly rippled gold margins. The leaves, measuring 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) long by 6 inches (15.2 cm) wide with nine vein pairs, are folded and wavy with flat bases and pointed tips; the undersides are very shiny.

In the Garden

Reaching 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) in height and 38 inches (96.5 cm) in diameter, 'Rutherford Birchard Hayes' performs best in partial to dappled shade, where its gold margins remain most distinct. Its vigorous growth and abundant, attractive flowers on pale green scapes 24 to 29 inches (61.0 to 73.7 cm) tall make it suitable for mid-border positions or as a groundcover in woodland gardens. It pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials of similar stature.

Care Notes

Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first growing season; apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer precautions are advisable in typical hosta-growing zones.