H. ‘Forest Shadows’

Overview

A sport of *Hosta* 'Gum Drop' registered in 1999, 'Forest Shadows' is a small, mound-forming cultivar distinguished by its medium green leaves with dark green, slightly rippled margins. The variegation pattern—a narrow, dark border approximately 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide against a lighter green center—creates a subtle shadowed effect on each leaf.

In the Garden

'Forest Shadows' reaches a mature spread of 15 inches (38.1 cm) and a height of 10 inches (25.4 cm), forming a compact, dense mound. Its small size and moderate growth rate make it suitable for the front of shaded borders, rock gardens, or container plantings. It pairs well with other small hostas, ferns, and shade-tolerant groundcovers such as *Lamium* or *Tiarella*.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Forest Shadows' is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.