H. ‘Sea Foam’

Overview

Registered in 1978 by M. Seaver, this medium-sized hybrid produces a compact mound of green leaves with margins that transition from chartreuse to pale yellow. The foliage is broadly ovate, measuring 10 inches (25.4 cm) long by 5 inches (12.7 cm) wide, with 11 pairs of veins, and the leaf centers remain a deep green while the margins lighten as the season progresses.

In the Garden

Reaching 12 inches (30.5 cm) in height and spreading to 16 inches (40.6 cm) in diameter, 'Sea Foam' forms a tidy, dense clump suitable for the middle to front of a shaded border. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the green centers hold their color and the pale margins remain distinct. The plant's moderate size and symmetrical habit make it appropriate for small garden spaces or as a groundcover under deciduous trees, where it pairs well with ferns, epimediums, or other shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.