H. ‘Sparkler’

Overview

Registered in 2012 as a sport of an unidentified parent, *Hosta* 'Sparkler' is a small, upright cultivar distinguished by its lance-shaped leaves with creamy white centers and dark green margins of 0.6 to 1.3 cm width. The leaves are moderately folded, slightly shiny on both surfaces, and possess a stiff, thick substance that resists the "melting out" phenomenon common in white-centered hostas. The scape is creamy white, reaching 35.6 to 40.6 cm, bearing upright-facing lavender flowers.

In the Garden

'Sparkler' reaches a mature diameter of approximately 40.6 cm and a height of 20.3 cm, with a fast growth rate. It performs best in partial to light shade, typical of hosta-growing zones, where its white centers remain stable without scorching. Its compact size makes it suitable for rock gardens, container plantings, or the front of shaded borders, where it pairs well with small ferns, heucheras, or other miniature hostas.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in containers, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The thick leaf substance offers some resistance to slugs, though standard slug control measures are advisable in damp conditions; deer may browse young foliage.