H. ‘Shirley Wade’
Hosta ‘Shirley Wade’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2008 |
|---|---|
| Section class | III-3 (Medium) |
Overview
Registered in 2008 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Spellbound', 'Shirley Wade' is a medium-sized cultivar distinguished by its green leaves with gold margins and notably heavy leaf substance. The broadly ovate leaves, measuring 7 inches (17.8 cm) long and 5 inches (12.7 cm) wide, feature yellow, slightly rippled margins and a cordate base, with a slightly shiny upper surface and dull underside.
In the Garden
'Shirley Wade' forms a mound-like clump reaching 10 inches (25.4 cm) in height and 24 inches (61.0 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the gold marginal variegation remains most stable, and pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other shade-tolerant perennials. The scapes, rising 25 to 27 inches (63.5 to 68.6 cm) tall, bear lavender flowers in midsummer.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The heavy leaf substance offers some resistance to slug damage, though standard slug control measures are advisable in damp conditions.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 24 in (61 cm) |
| Leaf length | 7 in (17.8 cm) |
| Leaf width | 5 in (12.7 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 9 |
| Leaf | yellow slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; dull underneath; lightly wavy |
| Flower scape height | 25–27 in (63.5–68.6 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | very heavy substance |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Spellbound' — H. ‘Spellbound’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (III-3, medium size):
- H. ‘Glen Fetish’ (2008)
- H. ‘World Cup’ (2006)
- H. ‘Cup of Joy’ (2011)
- H. ‘Lydia Scheu’ (1999)
- H. ‘Aladdin's Lamp’ (1996)
- H. ‘August Moon’ (1996)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5115