H. ‘Sarah Kennedy’
Hosta ‘Sarah Kennedy’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-4b (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2004 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Ginko Craig', 'Sarah Kennedy' is a small-sized cultivar distinguished by its dark green leaves with unusually wide, pure white, heavily rippled margins. The leaf margins measure 0.8 to 1.3 cm (0.3 to 0.5 in) wide, notably broader than those of its parent, and the plant produces a compact, mound-like habit.
In the Garden
'Sarah Kennedy' reaches a mature height of 15.0 cm (5.9 in) and a spread of 34.8 cm (13.7 in), making it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container cultivation. It performs best in partial to full shade with consistent moisture, and its small stature and variegated foliage pair well with other shade-tolerant perennials such as ferns, heucheras, or small woodland sedges. The moderate growth rate and compact dimensions also make it a candidate for trough gardens or shaded patio pots.
Care Notes
Provide regular water during dry periods to maintain leaf turgor and margin color; apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with many variegated hostas, slug and deer damage may occur, so protective measures are advisable in areas where these pests are prevalent.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 5.9 in (15 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 13.7 in (34.8 cm) |
| Leaf length | 5.5 in (14 cm) |
| Leaf width | 2.4 in (6.1 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 13 |
| Leaf | dark green with .3 to .5in (0.8 to 1.3cm) wide, pure white, heavily rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; slightly shiny underneath; lightly cupped |
| Flower scape height | 11–14 in (27.9–35.6 cm) |
| Seasonal colour change | slight darkening of green |
| Notable characteristics | smaller leaves and wider margin than parent |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Ginko Craig' — H. ‘Ginko Craig’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-4b, small size):
- H. ‘Sydney's Spunk’ (2007)
- H. ‘August Fire’ (2008)
- H. ‘Blue Ivory’ (2009)
- H. ‘Dew Drop’ (1988)
- H. ‘Bold Edger’ (1983)
- H. ‘Allan P. McConnell’ (1980)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #4945