H. ‘Kabuki’

Overview

Registered in 2004, 'Kabuki' is a medium-sized hosta derived from a cross between a seedling of *H.* 'Neat Splash' × *H.* 'Northern Halo' and *H.* 'Hadspen Blue'. Its most distinctive feature is the combination of blue-green leaf centers with creamy white margins that occasionally extend into white streaks toward the midrib, set against a glaucous bloom on both leaf surfaces.

In the Garden

'Kabuki' forms a moderate-growing, mound-like clump reaching 32 inches (81.3 cm) in diameter and 10 inches (25.4 cm) in height. Its broadly ovate, lightly cupped and corrugated leaves—each 7 inches (17.8 cm) long and 6 inches (15.2 cm) wide with 9 to 11 vein pairs—perform best in partial to dappled shade, where the blue-green coloration remains truest. The creamy white margins provide contrast when planted near solid green or gold-foliaged companions such as ferns or *Carex*. Its medium stature suits mid-border positions or container culture.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during dry periods; apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Kabuki' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in high-pressure areas.