H. ‘Winter Warrior’

Overview

Registered in 2005, 'Winter Warrior' originated as a sport of a splashed seedling of unknown parentage. This medium-sized cultivar is visually distinctive for its broadly ovate, dark green leaves with creamy white margins that are unusually resistant to sun scorch, producing an almost white leaf that does not melt in the garden.

In the Garden

'Winter Warrior' forms a dense, mound-like clump reaching 48 inches (121.9 cm) in diameter and 18 inches (45.7 cm) in height, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the dark green centers and wide (2 in/5.1 cm) creamy white margins remain crisp and stable. Its broad leaves and substantial size make it suitable as a specimen or in mass plantings alongside ferns, heucheras, or other shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Notes

Water regularly during dry periods to maintain consistent soil moisture, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The thick leaves provide moderate resistance to slugs, though standard slug control measures may be needed in wet seasons; deer may browse the foliage.