H. ‘Sportscaster’
Hosta ‘Sportscaster’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Section class | II-7 (Large) |
Overview
Registered in 2004, *Hosta* 'Sportscaster' is a large sport of *Hosta* 'Dorothy Benedict' (pod parent) with an unknown pollen parent. This cultivar is visually distinctive for its dark blue-green leaves with white margins, combined with unstable streaks of varying shades of yellow and creamy white that appear across the leaf surface.
In the Garden
'Horticaster' forms a slow-growing, mound-like clump reaching 21 inches (53.3 cm) in height and 38 inches (96.5 cm) in diameter at maturity. It performs best in partial to full shade, as is typical for blue-green hostas, which require protection from strong afternoon sun to maintain leaf color and prevent scorching. Its large, leathery leaves with moderate corrugation and wavy margins make it a suitable specimen plant or accent in shaded borders, paired with ferns, *Heuchera*, or other shade-tolerant perennials.
Care Notes
Water regularly during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Sportscaster' is susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitor for these pests and apply controls as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 21 in (53.3 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 38 in (96.5 cm) |
| Leaf length | 10.75 in (27.3 cm) |
| Leaf width | 8.5 in (21.6 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 13 |
| Leaf | dark green with unstable streaks of varying shades of yellow and creamy white slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; glaucous bloom underneath; moderately corrugated and moderately wavy |
| Flower scape height | 23–25 in (58.4–63.5 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | large dark green streaked leathery leaves |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Dorothy Benedict' — H. ‘Dorothy Benedict’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-7, large size):
- H. ‘Justice’ (2003)
- H. ‘Cosmic Sister’ (2006)
- H. ‘Quesadilla’ (2010)
- H. ‘Biggie's Breeder’ (2004)
- H. ‘Blues in the Night’ (2004)
- H. ‘Compass Point’ (2004)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5323