H. ‘Strawberry Banana Smoothie’

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.