H. ‘Sweetie’

Overview

Registered in 1988 by K. Vaughn and introduced by P. Aden, 'Sweetie' is a medium-sized hosta distinguished by its green leaves with wide, undulating margins that emerge yellow and mature to bright chartreuse white. The leaf blades reach 8 inches (20.3 cm) in length and 5 inches (12.7 cm) in width, with 11 vein pairs, and the plant forms a mound 20 inches (50.8 cm) tall and 30 inches (76.2 cm) in diameter.

In the Garden

'Sweetie' performs best in partial to full shade, where its variegated foliage remains most vibrant. At maturity, it forms a clump roughly 2.5 feet across and 1.5 feet tall, making it suitable for the middle of a shaded border or as an accent among ferns, *Heuchera*, or other shade-tolerant perennials. Its medium size also allows for use in larger containers.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many hostas with light-colored margins, 'Sweetie' may be susceptible to slug damage and should be monitored in damp conditions; deer may also browse the foliage in typical hosta-growing zones.