A streaked form of H. montana from Japan, it forms a large size mound.

According to The Hosta Handbook by Mark Zilis (2000), "Don't confuse 'Shuho Nishiki' with 'Shunko Nishiki'. Both are variegated sports of H. montana, but 'Shuho Nishiki' has a streakier foliage."

Mikiko Lockwood in an article on The Hosta Library titled, A Little About Japanese Hosta Terms defines the term nishiki as brocade (rich-colored woven fabric) i.e. something colorful and beautiful.