This hosta was originally found in the garden of Robert Schaeffer as a sport of H. 'Lancifolia'. Alex Summers named it and Peter Ruh of Ohio registered it for them in 1992. It is a medium size (18 inches high by 28 inches wide) mound that has yellow leaves with green margins that turn to green (viridescent) as the season progresses. The 28 inch scape bears bell-shaped, lavender striped flowers followed by viable seeds.

According to The Hosta Handbook by Mark Zilis (2000), this species has been known as H. cathayana 'Nakafu' and H. cathayana variegata in the past.

Mark Zilis (2009) notes that this cultivar, "...has been known to collectors for many years, but cannot be thought of as common. Its attractive show of variegated foliage in spring makes it a more interesting ground cover than Hosta lancifolia itself."

The New Encyclopedia of Hostas by Diana Grenfell (2009) states: "Best planted in clumps 12 in. (30 cm) apart as an edging plant, where the leaves gradually change color through the season making attractive tonal contrasts. Also effective in pots...One of the first hostas to emerge in spring."

Mikiko Lockwood in an article on The Hosta Library titled, A Little About Japanese Hosta Terms defines the term nakafu as medio-variegated.