A Refined Jewel for the Semi-Upright Border
Bob Kuk introduced Hosta 'Emerald Necklace' in 1994 as a sport of a 'Tardiflora' seedling. It inherits a graceful, semi-upright habit that adds vertical structure to shaded borders. Leaf centres emerge white in spring, shift to creamy white, then settle into medium green by midsummer. It is reliably hardy across Canadian zones 3–9. This refined cultivar rewards careful placement at the front of a shaded border.
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Evolving Centre Colour: Centres emerge bright white in spring, shift to creamy white through early summer, and settle into medium green by midsummer — offering three distinct looks in one season.
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Radiant Contrast: At every stage, the pale centre is crisply framed by a dark green, slightly rippled margin that gives each leaf a distinctive necklace-like definition.
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Distinctive Sheen: A slightly shiny upper surface and very shiny underside add a subtle sparkle when leaves catch the breeze or dappled light.
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Late-Season Vitality: Tardiflora parentage keeps the foliage fresh and vibrant well into late summer, long after many shade plants begin to fade.
| Feature |
Specification |
| Size (H × W) |
33 cm × 41 cm (13" × 16") |
| Hardiness Zone |
3–9 |
| Colour |
White to creamy white to medium green centre; stable dark green rippled margin |
| Light Requirements |
Partial to full shade |
Grower's Tip: Bright filtered morning light brings out the strongest contrast between the pale centres and dark emerald margins, especially in spring. At our Bécancour, QC trial fields, we confirm the necklace-like margin definition before every plant ships True to Type.
