H. ‘Alabama Bowl’

Overview

Registered in 1986 by N. Suggs, this large hosta cultivar resulted from a cross between H. 'Elegans' (pod parent) and H. 'Big Mama' (pollen parent). 'Alabama Bowl' is visually distinctive for its substantial blue-green leaves with slight undulations along the margins, forming a dense, mounded clump.

In the Garden

'Alabama Bowl' reaches a mature spread of 34 inches (86.4 cm) and height of 24 inches (61.0 cm), placing it in the large size class. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its blue-green foliage retains color intensity. The broad leaves, measuring 11.5 inches (29.2 cm) long by 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) wide with 15 vein pairs, provide textural contrast when paired with finer-leaved shade perennials such as ferns or Heuchera. Its substantial size makes it suitable as a specimen or in mass plantings in woodland gardens.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most large-leaved hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitoring and protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.