H. ‘Striptease’

Overview

*Hosta* 'Striptease' is a sport of *Hosta* 'Gold Standard', introduced by breeder Peter Ruh of Ohio in 1991. The cultivar is distinguished by its tricolor leaf pattern: a blue-green margin, a creamy white center, and a narrow, chartreuse band separating the two zones. It was named the American Hosta Growers Hosta of the Year in 2005.

In the Garden

*Hosta* 'Striptease' performs best in partial to full shade, where its variegation remains most pronounced; excessive sun may cause the white center to scorch or fade. The leaves are ovate to heart-shaped, with a slightly wavy margin and a matte surface texture, and they form a dense, spreading clump of moderate size. This cultivar is well suited for shaded borders, woodland gardens, or as a groundcover beneath deciduous trees. Companion plants that complement its foliage include ferns, *Heuchera* (coral bells), and *Astilbe*; it also pairs effectively with blue-leaved hostas for contrast. In containers, it requires consistent moisture and partial shade to maintain leaf quality.

Care Notes

*Hosta* 'Striptease' requires consistently moist, well-drained soil and benefits from regular watering during dry periods. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release formulation; avoid high-nitrogen feeds that may promote lush growth at the expense of variegation. The cultivar is moderately susceptible to slug and deer damage, though its thicker leaf texture offers some resistance compared to thinner-leaved hostas. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8.