H. ‘Special Blend’
Hosta ‘Special Blend’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2010 |
|---|---|
| Section class | III-7 (Medium) |
Overview
Registered in 2010 by an unknown hybridizer, *Hosta* 'Special Blend' is a medium-sized cultivar distinguished by its stable variegation pattern of blue-green leaves with white margins and pale yellow to creamy streaks. The foliage exhibits a dull upper surface with a glaucous bloom beneath, and the scapes display matching yellow-creamy streaks.
In the Garden
This cultivar forms a mound-like clump reaching 30.3 inches (77.0 cm) in diameter and 16.4 inches (41.7 cm) in height, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, typical of most hostas, and its medium stature suits middle-border positions or as a specimen in shade gardens. The ovate, lightly wavy leaves with cordate bases provide textural contrast when paired with ferns or finer-leaved perennials.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture during dry periods, particularly in warmer climates, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The thick leaves offer moderate resistance to slugs, though standard preventative measures may be warranted in damp conditions; deer may browse this cultivar as with other hostas.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 16.4 in (41.7 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 30.3 in (77 cm) |
| Leaf length | 8.3 in (21.1 cm) |
| Leaf width | 5.3 in (13.5 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 8 |
| Leaf | slightly blue-green with pale yellow and creamy streaks slightly rippled margins; dull on top; glaucous bloom underneath; lightly wavy |
| Flower scape height | 22–30.7 in (55.9–78.0 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | stable streaker, very fertile, passes along streaking |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Special Blend’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Eminence Grise’ (sport)
- H. ‘Grey Glacier’ (sport)
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (III-7, medium size):
- H. ‘Game Boy’ (2011)
- H. ‘So Nice’ (2015)
- H. ‘Dimpled Chad’ (2001)
- H. ‘Seventh Heaven’ (1994)
- H. ‘Blueberry Swirl’ (2010)
- H. ‘Chimney Rock’ (2010)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5297