H. ‘Salem’

Overview

Registered in 2000, *Hosta* 'Salem' is a large cultivar resulting from a cross between *Hosta* 'Lucy's Breeder 36-69' (seed parent) and *Hosta montana* (pollen parent). Its distinguishing feature is a green leaf blade with gold margins that are slightly rippled, combined with a cordate leaf base and dull surfaces on both sides.

In the Garden

'Salem' reaches a mature spread of 38 inches (96.5 cm) and a height of 21.5 inches (54.6 cm), with an upright growth habit and moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, as typical for hostas, and its substantial size makes it suitable as a specimen or in mixed shade borders alongside ferns, astilbes, or heucheras. The green scapes, 20 to 24 inches (50.8 to 61.0 cm) tall, bear flowers in midsummer.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in dry spells, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new shoots emerge. Slugs and deer may damage foliage; monitor and manage as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.