H. ‘Salty Dog’

Overview

Registered in 2003, *Hosta* 'Salty Dog' is a small-sized cultivar of unknown pollen parentage, with *H.* 'Emerald Tiara' as the pod parent. Its most distinctive feature is the combination of a greenish-yellow leaf center with a medium green, slightly rippled margin that is unusually wide—measuring 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm)—and tends to pucker, giving the leaf a textured appearance.

In the Garden

'Salty Dog' forms a fast-growing, mound-like clump reaching 12 inches (30.5 cm) in height and 36 inches (91.4 cm) in diameter. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, as is typical for gold-margined hostas, and is well-suited for the front of borders, rock gardens, or as a groundcover in small spaces. Its compact size also makes it a candidate for container cultivation. Companion plants might include ferns, *Heuchera*, or small shade-tolerant perennials that contrast with its bright foliage.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, particularly during dry spells, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Salty Dog' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so appropriate deterrents may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.