H. ‘Sparky’

Overview

Registered in 1987 by P. Aden, 'Sparky' is a small hosta cultivar resulting from a cross between *H. 'Amy Aden'* (seed parent) and *H. pulchella* (pollen parent). It is visually distinctive for its narrow, lance-shaped green leaves with heavy, undulating gold margins and three pairs of veins.

In the Garden

'Sparky' reaches a mature size of approximately 4 inches (10.2 cm) in height and 8 inches (20.3 cm) in diameter, with leaves 6 inches (15.2 cm) long and 1.75 inches (4.4 cm) wide. Its small stature and compact habit make it well suited for the front of borders, rock gardens, or containers in partial to full shade. It pairs effectively with other small hostas, ferns, or low-growing shade perennials such as heucheras or tiarellas.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Sparky' may require protection from slugs and deer in typical hosta-growing zones.