H. ‘Shirley Wade’

AI-generated watercolor illustration of Hosta 'Shirley Wade' (not a photograph)
AI-generated watercolor illustration by The Hosta Farm — not a photograph of this cultivar. How we use images

Hosta ‘Shirley Wade’ is a registered cultivar () .

Year registered2008
Section classIII-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.

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 height10 in (25.4 cm)
Clump width24 in (61 cm)
Leaf length7 in (17.8 cm)
Leaf width5 in (12.7 cm)
Vein pairs9
Leafyellow slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; dull underneath; lightly wavy
Flower scape height25–27 in (63.5–68.6 cm)
Notable characteristicsvery heavy substance

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (III-3, medium size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #5115. How we check this data.