H. ‘Songbird’
Hosta ‘Songbird’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-7 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2005, *Hosta* 'Songbird' is a small-sized cultivar of unknown pollen parentage, derived from *H. 'Flowersong'* as the pod parent. Its visual distinction lies in blue-green leaves with white margins that are streaked with greens, greenish-yellow, pale yellow, and cream white, accompanied by a slightly rippled edge and a glaucous bloom on the undersides.
In the Garden
'Songbird' reaches a mature height of 7 inches (17.8 cm) and a spread of 12 inches (30.5 cm), with upright foliage and a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, typical of most hostas, and its small size makes it suitable for rock gardens, front-of-border placements, or containers. Companion plants such as ferns or small shade perennials complement its compact habit.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many hostas, 'Songbird' may be susceptible to slug damage, so monitor foliage in damp conditions; deer resistance is not documented.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 7 in (17.8 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
| Leaf length | 4 in (10.2 cm) |
| Leaf width | 2.5 in (6.4 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 8 |
| Leaf | blue-green streaked with greens, greenish-yellow, pale yellow, cream white slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; glaucous bloom underneath; moderately cupped, lightly twisted, moderately corrugated |
| Flower scape height | 12–15 in (30.5–38.1 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Flowersong'
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-7, small size):
- H. ‘Ray of Hope’ (2005)
- H. ‘Stars and Stripes’ (2000)
- H. ‘Lodikito’ (2013)
- H. ‘Academy Grass Clippings’ (2005)
- H. ‘Bob Koffler’ (2005)
- H. ‘Cutie Pie’ (2005)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5271