H. ‘Special Angel’

Overview

Registered in 2013 as a sport of reverted *Hosta* 'Kiwi Milky Way', 'Special Angel' is a large, mound-forming cultivar notable for its unusual color pattern: blue-green leaf margins surrounding a gold center, with variegation streaking inward toward the midrib. The leaves are broadly ovate with cordate bases and wavy margins, bearing a glaucous bloom on both surfaces.

In the Garden

'Special Angel' reaches a mature spread of 45 inches (114.3 cm) and a height of 20 inches (50.8 cm), forming a moderate-growing, dense mound. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, where the blue-green margins and gold centers remain distinct; excessive sun may cause marginal scorch. This cultivar pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials, and its large size makes it suitable as a specimen or in the middle to back of a mixed border.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry periods. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While 'Special Angel' is less palatable to deer than many hostas, slug and snail damage can occur on the broad leaves, particularly in wet seasons.