H. ‘Shade Master’

Overview

Registered in 1982 by P. Aden, this large cultivar resulted from a cross between *Hosta* 'White Vision' (pod parent) and *Hosta* 'Golden Rajah' (pollen parent). It is visually distinctive for its broad, heavily textured green leaves with deep yellow margins, a color pattern that holds well into the growing season.

In the Garden

'Hosta 'Shade Master' reaches a mature size of 22 inches (55.9 cm) in height and 38 inches (96.5 cm) in diameter, with leaf blades measuring 12 inches (30.5 cm) long by 9 inches (22.9 cm) wide. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the gold margins remain most vibrant; excessive sun may cause marginal burning. The substantial foliage and upright scapes make it suitable as a specimen or as part of a mixed border with ferns, astilbes, or other shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many large-leaved hostas, it may be susceptible to slug damage; deer browsing is also possible in typical hosta-growing zones.