H. ‘Spitfire’
Hosta ‘Spitfire’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2002 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-7 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2002, *Hosta* 'Spitfire' is a small cultivar derived from the pod parent *H.* 'Flamboyant' (pollen parent unknown). It is visually distinguished by its light green leaves marked with unstable white streaks and slightly rippled, wavy margins, combined with a compact mound habit.
In the Garden
'Spitfire' reaches a mature diameter of 20 inches (50.8 cm) and a height of 11 inches (27.9 cm), forming a dense mound with a medium to fast growth rate. It is suitable for partial to full shade in typical hosta-growing zones and pairs well with other small perennials such as ferns, heucheras, or woodland groundcovers. Its compact size makes it appropriate for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of a shaded border.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture during dry periods; apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with many hostas, slug and deer damage may occur, though the small, wavy leaves are not especially favored by slugs.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 11 in (27.9 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 20 in (50.8 cm) |
| Leaf length | 3 in (7.6 cm) |
| Leaf width | 2 in (5.1 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 7 |
| Leaf | light green with unstable white streaks slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; slightly shiny underneath; wavy |
| Flower scape height | 23–25 in (58.4–63.5 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | wavy, streaked, small breeder |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Flamboyant' — H. ‘Flamboyant’
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Spitfire’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Mustang’ (sport)
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-7, small size):
- H. ‘Stars and Stripes’ (2000)
- H. ‘Ray of Hope’ (2005)
- H. ‘Lodikito’ (2013)
- H. ‘Canterbury Tales’ (2002)
- H. ‘Cathedral’ (2002)
- H. ‘Chutzpah’ (2002)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5315