Hosta 'Goober' | Very Shiny Dark Green Small Corrugated Hosta Zilis Peanut Sport

Description

Mark Zilis's Peanut Sport With Mirror-Bright Gloss on Both Leaf Surfaces

Mark Zilis of Rochelle, Illinois registered Hosta 'Goober' in 2009 as a tissue culture sport of H. 'Peanut'. Nearly round leaves with a rounded base reach 10.2 cm (4") long × 7.6 cm (3") wide with 6 vein pairs, presenting a dark green colour with a very high gloss on both the upper and lower surfaces — an unusual and striking trait. The foliage is lightly cupped, moderately twisted, and moderately corrugated with characteristic dimpling evident even on young plants. It forms a fast-growing small mound 20.3 cm (8") tall and 50.8 cm (20") wide, with medium purple tubular flowers on 40.6 cm (16") scapes from late July through early August. Canadian gardeners from Zone 3 through 9 will find it an irresistible and characterful small hosta for the front of the border.

  • Very shiny on both leaf surfaces: The very high gloss on both the top and underside of each nearly round leaf is one of 'Goober's most distinctive traits — few small dark green hostas match the mirror-bright finish that catches and reflects dappled light from every angle.
  • Dimpled and corrugated from youth: Moderately corrugated, dimpled foliage is evident even as a young plant — a noted characteristic that gives 'Goober' immediate texture and presence in the garden without waiting for the clump to mature.
  • Nearly round, lightly cupped and twisted leaves: The nearly round leaf outline with a rounded base, gentle cup, and moderate twist gives the small mound a lively, three-dimensional character that sets it apart from flat-leaved small hostas.
  • Fast growth rate for a small hosta: An unusually fast growth rate means 'Goober' establishes and fills its 50.8 cm (20") spread quickly for a small cultivar — rewarding from the first season and an excellent edging choice.
  • Medium purple summer blooms with viable seeds: Medium purple tubular flowers appear on 40.6 cm (16") scapes from late July through early August, and the plant sets viable seeds — a useful trait for enthusiasts interested in hybridizing.
Feature Specification
Size (H × W) 20.3 cm × 50.8 cm (8" × 20")
Hardiness Zone 3–9
Colour Dark green, very shiny; medium purple flowers
Light Requirements Partial to full shade

Grower's Tip: 'Goober' handles Canadian winters with ease from Zone 3 through 9 — if you’re in Victoria, BC where the mild Pacific climate lets hostas emerge early, 'Goober's fast growth rate and immediate corrugation will have it looking established well before the rest of the border fills in. We grow it at our nursery in Bécancour, QC and the characteristic double-sided gloss and dimpled texture are confirmed before every plant ships. Our True to Type standard means you receive the authentic Mark Zilis sport — confirmed before it leaves Bécancour.

Product form

$18.00

    • Next Availability Date: Now
    • Mature Height: 8" (20.32 cm)
    • Mature Spread: 20" (50.80 cm)
    • Seasonal Leaf Change: N/A
    • Hybridizer: Zilis
    • Hybridizer (List 2):
    • AHS Registration Year: 2009
    • Canada Breeders' Rights No. / Expiry:
    • US Patent No. / Expiry:
    • Collection: Current Availability
    • Photo Credit: Hosta Choice Gardens (CDN) ©2026
    • Date of Last Update: September 2026
    • Waiting List for this Variety:

    Description

    Mark Zilis's Peanut Sport With Mirror-Bright Gloss on Both Leaf Surfaces

    Mark Zilis of Rochelle, Illinois registered Hosta 'Goober' in 2009 as a tissue culture sport of H. 'Peanut'. Nearly round leaves with a rounded base reach 10.2 cm (4") long × 7.6 cm (3") wide with 6 vein pairs, presenting a dark green colour with a very high gloss on both the upper and lower surfaces — an unusual and striking trait. The foliage is lightly cupped, moderately twisted, and moderately corrugated with characteristic dimpling evident even on young plants. It forms a fast-growing small mound 20.3 cm (8") tall and 50.8 cm (20") wide, with medium purple tubular flowers on 40.6 cm (16") scapes from late July through early August. Canadian gardeners from Zone 3 through 9 will find it an irresistible and characterful small hosta for the front of the border.

    • Very shiny on both leaf surfaces: The very high gloss on both the top and underside of each nearly round leaf is one of 'Goober's most distinctive traits — few small dark green hostas match the mirror-bright finish that catches and reflects dappled light from every angle.
    • Dimpled and corrugated from youth: Moderately corrugated, dimpled foliage is evident even as a young plant — a noted characteristic that gives 'Goober' immediate texture and presence in the garden without waiting for the clump to mature.
    • Nearly round, lightly cupped and twisted leaves: The nearly round leaf outline with a rounded base, gentle cup, and moderate twist gives the small mound a lively, three-dimensional character that sets it apart from flat-leaved small hostas.
    • Fast growth rate for a small hosta: An unusually fast growth rate means 'Goober' establishes and fills its 50.8 cm (20") spread quickly for a small cultivar — rewarding from the first season and an excellent edging choice.
    • Medium purple summer blooms with viable seeds: Medium purple tubular flowers appear on 40.6 cm (16") scapes from late July through early August, and the plant sets viable seeds — a useful trait for enthusiasts interested in hybridizing.
    Feature Specification
    Size (H × W) 20.3 cm × 50.8 cm (8" × 20")
    Hardiness Zone 3–9
    Colour Dark green, very shiny; medium purple flowers
    Light Requirements Partial to full shade

    Grower's Tip: 'Goober' handles Canadian winters with ease from Zone 3 through 9 — if you’re in Victoria, BC where the mild Pacific climate lets hostas emerge early, 'Goober's fast growth rate and immediate corrugation will have it looking established well before the rest of the border fills in. We grow it at our nursery in Bécancour, QC and the characteristic double-sided gloss and dimpled texture are confirmed before every plant ships. Our True to Type standard means you receive the authentic Mark Zilis sport — confirmed before it leaves Bécancour.

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