H. ‘Academy Nazgul’

Overview

Registered in 2003, 'Academy Nazgul' is a medium-sized hosta cultivar derived from a first-generation seedling of Hosta 'Ginko Craig' with an unknown pollen parent. Its most distinctive features are the brownish purple scapes and nearly black seed pods, which contrast sharply with the medium green leaf margins and lighter leaf centers.

In the Garden

'Academy Nazgul' forms a clump 40 inches (101.6 cm) in diameter and 17 inches (43.2 cm) tall, with broadly ovate leaves measuring 7 inches (17.8 cm) long and 5.5 inches (14.0 cm) wide, each bearing eight vein pairs. The leaves are moderately flat with a flat base and medium green margins. This cultivar performs best in partial to full shade, as typical for variegated hostas, and reaches a mature spread of just over three feet. Its dark scapes, which rise 27 to 31 inches (68.6 to 78.7 cm) above the foliage, make it a useful textural contrast when paired with lighter-leaved perennials such as ferns or Heuchera.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Academy Nazgul' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, and may require protective measures in areas where these pests are prevalent. It is hardy in typical hosta-growing zones.