H. ‘Touch the Sky’

Overview

Registered in 2001, 'Touch the Sky' is a large hosta cultivar derived from a cross between *H.* 'William Lachman' (pod parent) and *H. nigrescens* 'Elatior' (pollen parent). It is visually distinctive for its upright, vase-like habit, tall scapes, and large, nearly round, deeply corrugated dark green leaves with broad, greenish-yellow, slightly rippled margins.

In the Garden

'Touch the Sky' reaches a mature size of 33 inches (83.8 cm) in height and 39 inches (99.1 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. Its upright form and tall scapes (47 to 50 inches, or 119.4 to 127.0 cm) make it a strong vertical accent for partial to full shade in typical hosta-growing zones. It pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials; its large size precludes container use.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The thick, corrugated leaves offer good slug and deer resistance compared to thinner-leaved cultivars.