H. ‘American Idol’
Hosta ‘American Idol’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Section class | I-5b (Giant) |
Overview
A sport of Hosta 'Sum and Substance' registered in 2005, 'American Idol' is a giant cultivar distinguished by its medium green leaves with greenish-yellow margins and deeply corrugated, cupped form. It is notably smaller than other sports of 'Sum and Substance', reaching 36 inches in diameter and 18 inches in height.
In the Garden
'American Idol' forms a dense, mound-like clump suitable for partial to full shade in typical hosta-growing zones. Its substantial leaves and moderate growth rate make it an effective specimen or accent plant in woodland borders and shade gardens, where it pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'American Idol' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so appropriate deterrents may be necessary in high-pressure areas.
This summary was generated with AI from the registry record and has not been reviewed yet; the registry data on this page is the reference. How we use AI.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 18 in (45.7 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 36 in (91.4 cm) |
| Leaf length | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
| Leaf width | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 13 |
| Leaf | medium green with .25 to 1in (0.6 to 2.5cm) wide, greenish-yellow, flat margins; slightly shiny on top; dull underneath; deeply cupped, moderately twisted, moderately folded, lightly waxy, deeply corrugated, lightly flat |
| Flower scape height | 15–18 in (38.1–45.7 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | smaller than other 'Sum and Substance' sports |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Sum and Substance' — H. ‘Sum and Substance’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (I-5b, giant size):
- H. ‘Liberty’ (2000)
- H. ‘David A. Haskell’ (1999)
- H. ‘Frances Williams’ (1986)
- H. ‘Lakeside Fancy Pants’ (2005)
- H. ‘Light Show’ (2005)
- H. ‘On Golden Pond’ (2005)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #237. How we check this data.