H. ‘Sparky’
Hosta ‘Sparky’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by P. Aden.
| Year registered | 1987 |
|---|---|
| Registrant | P. Aden |
| Section class | IV-5b (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 1987 by P. Aden, 'Sparky' is a small hosta cultivar resulting from a cross between *H. 'Amy Aden'* (seed parent) and *H. pulchella* (pollen parent). It is visually distinctive for its narrow, lance-shaped green leaves with heavy, undulating gold margins and three pairs of veins.
In the Garden
'Sparky' reaches a mature size of approximately 4 inches (10.2 cm) in height and 8 inches (20.3 cm) in diameter, with leaves 6 inches (15.2 cm) long and 1.75 inches (4.4 cm) wide. Its small stature and compact habit make it well suited for the front of borders, rock gardens, or containers in partial to full shade. It pairs effectively with other small hostas, ferns, or low-growing shade perennials such as heucheras or tiarellas.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Sparky' may require protection from slugs and deer in typical hosta-growing zones.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 4 in (10.2 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 8 in (20.3 cm) |
| Leaf length | 6 in (15.2 cm) |
| Leaf width | 1.75 in (4.4 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 3 |
| Leaf | green yellow, heavy undulations margins |
| Flower scape height | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Amy Aden' — H. ‘Amy Aden’
- Pollen parent: H. pulchella
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-5b, small size):
- H. ‘Butter Rim’ (1986)
- H. ‘Praying Hands’ (1996)
- H. ‘Autumn Frost’ (2009)
- H. ‘Josephine’ (1987)
- H. ‘Amber Maiden’ (1988)
- H. ‘Heliarc’ (1986)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5289