H. ‘Sweet Home Chicago’
Hosta ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by P. & J. Ruh.
| Year registered | 2002 |
|---|---|
| Registrant | P. & J. Ruh |
| Section class | IV-6a (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2002 by P. & J. Ruh, this small-sized sport of *Hosta* 'Birchwood Parky's Gold' is distinguished by its blue-green leaf centers with gold margins—a color reversal from the typical gold-centered, blue-margined pattern. The ovate leaves measure 4.75 inches (12.1 cm) long and 3.25 inches (8.3 cm) wide, with 7 to 8 prominent vein pairs and a slightly rippled, blue-green border up to 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) wide. The leaf surfaces are dull on both sides.
In the Garden
Forming a mound 16 inches (40.6 cm) tall and 36 inches (91.4 cm) wide, 'Sweet Home Chicago' grows rapidly and is well-suited for the front of a border or as edging in partial to full shade. Its small stature and fast growth make it effective in mass plantings or as a groundcover beneath deciduous trees. The blue-green scapes, reaching 14 to 17 inches (35.6 to 43.2 cm) in height, bear lavender flowers in midsummer.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, this cultivar is susceptible to slug damage and deer browsing; monitor and protect accordingly. It performs reliably in typical hosta-growing zones.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 16 in (40.6 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 36 in (91.4 cm) |
| Leaf length | 4.75 in (12.1 cm) |
| Leaf width | 3.25 in (8.3 cm) |
| Leaf | yellow green with .0 to .75in (0.0 to 1.9cm) wide, blue-green, slightly rippled margins; dull on top; dull underneath; moderately wavy |
| Flower scape height | 14–17 in (35.6–43.2 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | interesting color; good grower; stands out |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Birchwood Parky's Gold'
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-6a, small size):
- H. ‘Rainforest Sunrise’ (2003)
- H. ‘Allegan Fog’ (2000)
- H. ‘Clifford's Stingray’ (2000)
- H. ‘June Fever’ (2004)
- H. ‘Fire and Ice’ (1999)
- H. ‘Rainbow's End’ (2005)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5574