H. ‘Stained Glass’
Hosta ‘Stained Glass’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 1999 |
|---|---|
| Section class | II-6a (Large) |
Last checked against the AHS registry:
What it looks like
'Stained Glass' has golden yellow, heart-shaped leaves with a 2 in dark green margin (AHS registry). The Hosta of the Year booklet explains the name: prominent veins give a "stained glass window" effect. Compared with its parent 'Guacamole', the booklet says it shows its variegation earlier and "maintains a more brilliant gold color throughout the season". Unlike the glossy parent, the registry describes the leaf as dull on both sides. Flowers are large (3 in), near white with lavender stripes, fragrant (booklet), in August.
Registered size vs. grown size
| Source | Height | Width | Leaf (L × W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHS Registry record (1999) | 15 in (38 cm) | 32 in (81 cm) | 10.5 × 7 in (27 × 18 cm) |
| AHS Hosta of the Year booklet | 15 in (38 cm) | 32 in (81 cm) | — |
Both sources give the same size. The registry measured a 3-year-old clump and lists a fast growth rate.
Where it fits
A medium gold-centered plant with a mounding habit (booklet: Medium, Mounding). The booklet also lists large, fragrant near-white flowers in August.
How it compares
- 'Guacamole' is the parent: shinier, more chartreuse, and larger when grown (booklet: 24 × 54 in). Pick 'Guacamole' if a glossier leaf matters more than color timing; the booklet says 'Stained Glass' shows its variegation earlier and keeps a brighter gold through the season.
- 'June' is a smaller-leaved gold-centered hosta with a blue-green rather than dark green margin.
- 'Paul's Glory' has gold heart-shaped leaves with a dark blue-green margin (booklet), but its center starts chartreuse and turns gold slowly.
Parentage and awards
Sport of 'Guacamole' (registry and booklet). Originated and named by H. Hansen; introduced and registered by H. Hansen and Shady Oaks Nursery. Breeders' rights PBR21396 NL.
- AHGA Hosta of the Year 2006 (booklet; registry comments).
- Benedict Award of Merit 2025 and 2008; Honorable Mention 2024 (AHS Benedict list). It has not received the Benedict Medal.
- Listed in AHS Popularity Polls between 2004 and 2014.
Limits and unknowns
Neither the registry nor the booklet says how 'Stained Glass' handles sun or slugs. "Fast growth rate" is the registrant's description. General care is in our hosta care guide.
Sources
Profile written and checked against the sources above on .
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 15 in (38.1 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 32 in (81.3 cm) |
| Leaf length | 10.5 in (26.7 cm) |
| Leaf width | 7 in (17.8 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 10 |
| Leaf | dull on top; dull underneath |
| Flower scape height | 30 in (76.2 cm) |
| Plant patent | PBR21396 NL |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Stained Glass’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Cathedral Windows’ (sport)
- H. ‘Tortilla Chip’ (sport)
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-6a, large size):
- H. ‘Night Shift’ (1991)
- H. ‘American Glory Be’ (1999)
- H. ‘Great American Expectations’ (1999)
- H. ‘Marbled Cream Elite’ (1999)
- H. ‘Rosedale Lela Mae’ (1999)
- H. ‘Rosedale Yellow Brick Road’ (1999)
Related guides
Looking for ‘Stained Glass’ on Amazon
Third-party sellers list this cultivar on Amazon. We have not bought these plants and cannot confirm that what arrives is true to name, so compare the listing photos with the description on this page and check the seller, plant size (bare root, quart or gallon) and shipping season before buying.
Search Amazon for ‘Stained Glass’ · What to expect from hostas sold on Amazon
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Registration data: AHS Registry #5350. How we check this data.