H. ‘Touch the Sky’
Hosta ‘Touch the Sky’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2001 |
|---|---|
| Section class | II-5b (Large) |
Overview
Registered in 2001, 'Touch the Sky' is a large hosta cultivar derived from a cross between *H.* 'William Lachman' (pod parent) and *H. nigrescens* 'Elatior' (pollen parent). It is visually distinctive for its upright, vase-like habit, tall scapes, and large, nearly round, deeply corrugated dark green leaves with broad, greenish-yellow, slightly rippled margins.
In the Garden
'Touch the Sky' reaches a mature size of 33 inches (83.8 cm) in height and 39 inches (99.1 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. Its upright form and tall scapes (47 to 50 inches, or 119.4 to 127.0 cm) make it a strong vertical accent for partial to full shade in typical hosta-growing zones. It pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials; its large size precludes container use.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The thick, corrugated leaves offer good slug and deer resistance compared to thinner-leaved cultivars.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 33 in (83.8 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 39 in (99.1 cm) |
| Leaf length | 10.75 in (27.3 cm) |
| Leaf width | 9.25 in (23.5 cm) |
| Leaf | dark green with .5 to 1.75in (1.3 to 4.4cm) wide, greenish yellow, slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; slightly shiny underneath; deeply corrugated, slightly twisted and slightly wavy |
| Flower scape height | 47–50 in (119.4–127.0 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | tall vase-like plant; large dark green leaves with yellow margins; tall scapes; good substance |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'William Lachman' — H. ‘William Lachman’
- Pollen parent: H. nigrescens 'Elatior' — H. ‘Elatior’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-5b, large size):
- H. ‘Arc de Triomphe’ (2000)
- H. ‘Afternoon Delight’ (2003)
- H. ‘Band of Gold’ (1999)
- H. ‘Blue River’ (1998)
- H. ‘Yellow Flash’ (1997)
- H. ‘August Beauty’ (2009)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5785