H. ‘Sting’

Hosta 'Sting'
Illustration: The Hosta Farm Editorial Team.

Hosta ‘Sting’ is a registered cultivar () .

Year registered2011
Section classIV-6a (Small)

Overview

Registered in 2011 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Anne', *Hosta* 'Sting' is a small-sized cultivar distinguished by its creamy white leaf centers bordered by dark green, slightly rippled margins. The leaf centers often exhibit a flamed or mottled pattern, adding visual texture to the broadly ovate, lightly cupped foliage.

In the Garden

With a mature spread of approximately 28 inches (70 cm) and a height of 14 inches (35 cm), *Hosta* 'Sting' forms a compact, mound-like clump with a moderate growth rate. Its sun-resistant foliage allows it to tolerate more direct light than many hostas, though it performs best in partial shade. This small cultivar is well-suited for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container plantings, and pairs effectively with fine-textured shade perennials such as ferns or heucheras.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry periods. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While hostas are generally susceptible to slugs and deer, the thicker, sun-tolerant leaves of 'Sting' may offer slightly improved resistance; standard protective measures are still advisable in high-pressure areas.

Size and leaf

Clump height13.8 in (35.1 cm)
Clump width27.6 in (70.1 cm)
Leaf length6.3 in (16 cm)
Leaf width4.7 in (11.9 cm)
Vein pairs9
Leafcreamy white with 1.2in (3.0cm) wide, dark green, slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; dull underneath; lightly cupped
Flower scape height17.7 in (45.0 cm)
Notable characteristicssun resistant, flamed center

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-6a, small size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #5137