H. ‘Skylight’
Hosta ‘Skylight’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2001 |
|---|---|
| Section class | II-2 (Large) |
Overview
Registered in 2001, 'Skylight' is a large hosta cultivar derived from a cross of *H. 'Dorothy Benedict'* and *H. montana macrophylla*, with an unknown pollen parent. It is visually distinctive for its intense turquoise-blue leaf color, heavy substance, and glaucous bloom present on both upper and lower leaf surfaces.
In the Garden
'Skylight' forms a mound-like clump reaching 36 inches (91.4 cm) in diameter and 12 inches (30.5 cm) in height, with a moderate growth rate. Its broadly ovate, cordate-based leaves measure 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) long by 8 inches (20.3 cm) wide, with flat margins and 14 vein pairs. The glaucous blue-green scapes rise 23 to 26 inches (58.4 to 66.0 cm) above the foliage. This cultivar performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other shade-tolerant perennials. Its substantial leaf substance makes it suitable for gardens where slug pressure is moderate.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, applying a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While the heavy substance offers some resistance, standard slug and deer deterrents are recommended in areas where these pests are prevalent.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 36 in (91.4 cm) |
| Leaf length | 9.5 in (24.1 cm) |
| Leaf width | 8 in (20.3 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 14 |
| Leaf | intensely blue green flat margins; glaucous bloom on top; glaucous bloom underneath |
| Flower scape height | 23–26 in (58.4–66.0 cm) |
| Seasonal colour change | waxy coating melts of in July leaves then are dark green |
| Notable characteristics | turquoise-blue color and heavy substance; thick scapes; glaucous both leaf surfaces |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Dorothy Benedict' x H. montana macrophylla — H. ‘Dorothy Benedict’
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Skylight’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Blue Wu’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Southern Blues’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Tarheel Blue’ (seedling (pollen parent))
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-2, large size):
- H. ‘Queen of the Seas’ (2001)
- H. ‘Neptune’ (2006)
- H. ‘Blue Ripples’ (2009)
- H. ‘Blue Tips’ (2009)
- H. ‘Aksarben’ (1988)
- H. ‘Blue Rock’ (1986)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5200