H. ‘War Paint’

Overview

Registered in 2005 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Niagara Falls', 'War Paint' is a giant cultivar distinguished by its viridescent foliage: large, heavily textured leaves emerge with golden yellow centers and wide, medium green margins that broaden with age, creating an irregular, painted effect. The leaves reach 15 inches (38.1 cm) in length and 9 inches (22.9 cm) in width, with margins extending 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the edge.

In the Garden

'War Paint' forms a substantial clump, maturing to a height of 30–36 inches and a spread of 48–60 inches, making it suitable as a specimen or back-of-border accent in partial to full shade. Its bold foliage pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials that contrast in texture or color. The large leaves also provide effective groundcover beneath deciduous trees.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'War Paint' is susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitor regularly and use barriers or repellents as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.