H. ‘Saybrook Surprise’
Hosta ‘Saybrook Surprise’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 1998 |
|---|---|
| Section class | II-6a (Large) |
Overview
Registered in 1998 as a sport of a Hosta 'Perry's True Blue' seedling, 'Saybrook Surprise' is a large cultivar distinguished by its blue-green leaf centers with wide, golden yellow margins. The leaf blades are cordate at the base, measure 9 inches (22.9 cm) long by 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) wide, and bear 12 to 14 pairs of veins; the upper surface is slightly shiny, while the underside carries a glaucous bloom.
In the Garden
'Saybrook Surprise' forms a dense, mound-like clump reaching 12 inches (30.5 cm) in height and 32 inches (81.3 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, where the blue-green centers remain distinct and the gold margins hold their color without scorching. The plant's substantial size makes it suitable as a specimen or for the middle to back of a shaded border; it pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. Standard precautions against slugs and deer are advisable, as both can damage the foliage.
This summary was generated with AI from the registry record and has not been reviewed yet; the registry data on this page is the reference. How we use AI.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 32 in (81.3 cm) |
| Leaf length | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
| Leaf width | 7.5 in (19.1 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 14 |
| Leaf | golden yellow with 1.5in (3.8cm) wide, slightly blue-green, flat margins; slightly shiny on top; glaucous bloom underneath |
| Flower scape height | 20–22 in (50.8–55.9 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Perry's True Blue' seedling
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-6a, large size):
- H. ‘Stained Glass’ (1999)
- H. ‘Night Shift’ (1991)
- H. ‘Brother Stefan’ (1998)
- H. ‘Jim Matthews’ (1998)
- H. ‘Lakeside Shore Master’ (1998)
- H. ‘Princess Anastasia’ (1998)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #4964. How we check this data.