H. ‘Alpine Aire’

Overview

Registered in 1980 by E. Minks, *Hosta* 'Alpine Aire' is a medium-sized cultivar resulting from a cross between *H.* 'August Moon' (pod parent) and *H.* 'Ogon Koba' (pollen parent). Its distinguishing feature is the combination of green leaf centers with chartreuse to gold margins, a color pattern inherited from its parentage.

In the Garden

' Alpine Aire' reaches a mature diameter of approximately 24 inches (61.0 cm) and a height of 20 inches (50.8 cm), placing it in the medium size class. It performs best in partial to full shade, as is typical for gold-margined hostas, which may scorch in excessive sun. The plant's 15-inch (38.1 cm) long by 4-inch (10.2 cm) wide leaves, with 10 vein pairs and chartreuse margins, provide textural contrast when paired with ferns or fine-leaved perennials. Its scape height is recorded as 20 inches (50.8 cm).

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer precautions are advisable for this cultivar in typical hosta-growing zones.