H. ‘Sugar Babe’
Hosta ‘Sugar Babe’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-4b (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 1996, 'Sugar Babe' is a small hosta cultivar derived from a cross between *H.* 'Iron Gate Supreme' and *H.* 'Saishu Jima'. It is visually distinctive for its lance-shaped, medium green leaves with creamy white, slightly rippled margins, and a notably shiny surface on both sides.
In the Garden
'Sugar Babe' reaches a mature size of 10 inches (25.4 cm) in height and 16 inches (40.6 cm) in diameter, with a fast growth rate and stoloniferous habit. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of most hostas, and its small size makes it well-suited for rock gardens, edging, or container plantings. Companion plants include ferns, heucheras, and other small woodland perennials.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While 'Sugar Babe' is generally low-maintenance, monitor for slug and deer damage in garden settings.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 16 in (40.6 cm) |
| Leaf length | 5 in (12.7 cm) |
| Leaf width | 2 in (5.1 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 5 |
| Leaf | medium green with .38in (1.0cm) wide, creamy white, slightly rippled margins; very shiny on top; very shiny underneath; moderately wavy |
| Flower scape height | 24–30 in (61.0–76.2 cm) |
| Seasonal colour change | emerges yellow, turns white later |
| Notable characteristics | unique sugary fragrance |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Iron Gate Supreme' — H. ‘Iron Gate Supreme’
- Pollen parent: H. 'Saishu Jima' — H. ‘Saishu Jima’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-4b, small size):
- H. ‘Dew Drop’ (1988)
- H. ‘Sydney's Spunk’ (2007)
- H. ‘August Fire’ (2008)
- H. ‘Blue Ivory’ (2009)
- H. ‘Bold Edger’ (1983)
- H. ‘Allan P. McConnell’ (1980)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5448