H. ‘Special Forces’

Overview

A sport of *Hosta* 'Blue Cadet' registered in 2011, 'Special Forces' is a small, mound-forming cultivar distinguished by its blue-green leaves heavily streaked and mottled with yellow, edged with a narrow, flat blue-green margin. The variegation pattern is irregular and pronounced, giving each leaf a unique, almost painted appearance.

In the Garden

'Special Forces' reaches approximately 12 inches (30.5 cm) in height and spreads to 24 inches (61.0 cm) in diameter, forming a compact, moderate-growing mound. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for blue-leaved hostas, where the glaucous bloom on the leaves remains most pronounced. Its small size makes it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container plantings, and it pairs well with fine-textured shade perennials such as ferns or *Heuchera*.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many blue-green hostas, 'Special Forces' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in gardens where these pests are prevalent.