H. ‘Strawberry Banana Smoothie’
Hosta ‘Strawberry Banana Smoothie’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2008 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-3 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2008, *Hosta* 'Strawberry Banana Smoothie' is a small-sized cultivar derived from a cross of *H.* 'Whiskey Sour' with a sibling seedling. It is visually distinctive for its bright yellow leaves with green margins and notably bright red petioles, a coloration that extends upward into the leaf base rather than the more typical purple.
In the Garden
This cultivar reaches a mature diameter of approximately 26 inches (66 cm) and a height of 12 inches (30.5 cm), with an upright growth habit and moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, typical of most hostas, and is well-suited to the front of borders, rock gardens, or container cultivation due to its compact size. The bright yellow foliage provides strong contrast when paired with darker-leaved perennials such as ferns or heucheras.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with many hostas, slug and deer damage may occur and should be managed through appropriate barriers or deterrents.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 26 in (66 cm) |
| Leaf length | 6 in (15.2 cm) |
| Leaf width | 3.5 in (8.9 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 6 |
| Leaf | yellow slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; slightly shiny underneath; moderately wavy |
| Flower scape height | 24–26 in (61.0–66.0 cm) |
| Seasonal colour change | can bleach to white in sun |
| Notable characteristics | bright yellow leaves with bright red, not purple, petioles, color extends up to leaf base |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Whiskey Sour' — H. ‘Whiskey Sour’
- Pollen parent: sibling
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Strawberry Banana Smoothie’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Lemon Ice’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Mango Salsa’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Smiley Face’ (seedling (pollen parent))
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-3, small size):
- H. ‘Blonde Elf’ (2010)
- H. ‘Little Miss Magic’ (2004)
- H. ‘Post-it’ (2012)
- H. ‘Peach Salsa’ (2013)
- H. ‘Fire Island’ (1998)
- H. ‘Gold Cadet’ (1974)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5413