Hosta 'Heart and Soul' – Romantic Foliage for Shaded Retreats

Hosta 'Heart and Soul' lives up to its poetic name with perfectly heart-shaped leaves that bring warmth and charm to shaded gardens. Registered in 2000 by Mortko, this cultivar combines distinctive leaf shape with attractive variegation.

Botanical Profile

Family:	Liliaceae (lil-ee-AY-see-ee)
Genus:	Hosta (HOSS-tuh)
Cultivar:	'Heart and Soul'
Hybridizer:	Mortko
Registration Year:	2000

Unique Leaf Form

The defining characteristic of 'Heart and Soul' is its exaggerated cordate (heart-shaped) leaves with a deep basal sinus and elongated tip. The foliage features creamy white to pale yellow margins that feather into medium green centers. This combination of distinct shape and soft variegation creates a gentle, romantic aesthetic unlike the bold contrasts of many modern cultivars.

Growing Requirements

This small-to-medium hosta thrives in dappled to full shade with consistent moisture. The lighter leaf margins benefit from protection against harsh afternoon sun. It forms a neat, compact mound suitable for front-of-border placement, rock gardens, or container culture. The unique leaf shape adds textural interest even when viewed from a distance.

Collector's Notes

As a 2000 introduction, 'Heart and Soul' represents modern hosta breeding focused on novel leaf shapes combined with reliable garden performance. Mortko's work has contributed several distinctive cultivars to the hosta world, with this selection being particularly beloved for its namesake foliage form.