H. ‘Spartan Gem’

Overview

'Spartan Gem' was registered in 1989 by P. Banyai, parentage not recorded. Two details in the record stand out: a "dark satin green" leaf that is narrow for its length, 6 in (15.2 cm) by 2.5 in (6.4 cm), with several undulations along the edge, and scapes described as deep burgundy.

In the Garden

The registered clump is 24 in (61.0 cm) across and 14 in (35.6 cm) high. The registration gives the scape color but not the scape height, and the flowers are entered only as lavender and flaring.

How it compares

'Sharp Shooter' (1993) is a seedling of 'Spartan Gem', with a longer, still narrow leaf, 8.5 by 3.25 in, and dark burgundy scapes recorded at 42 in (106.7 cm). Its clump is registered at 25.5 in across, against 24 in for 'Spartan Gem', and the leaf is described as dull medium green rather than satin dark green. Pick 'Sharp Shooter' if a longer leaf matters more than leaf color; 'Spartan Gem' has the dark satin green leaf.

'Nellie Grey' (2002) is registered at 25 in across and 12 in high, with a similar leaf length but in light green, and its scapes are plain green at 14 to 15 in.

'Temple Bells' is registered at 18 in (45.7 cm) across, with a slightly broader, rippled, slightly shiny medium green leaf.

Flowers and other notes

The registration lists neither growth rate nor habit. The deep burgundy color applies to the scapes; the record does not say the petioles share it. General planting advice is in our care guide.

Sources: AHS Registry records for 'Spartan Gem' (#5293), 'Sharp Shooter' (#5083), 'Nellie Grey' (#3997) and 'Temple Bells' (#5641), hostaregistrar.org.