H. ‘American King of the Woods’

Overview

Registered in 2007 as a selfed seedling of *Hosta* 'Elegans', 'American King of the Woods' is a giant cultivar distinguished by its intensely corrugated, blue-green foliage with heavily elevated veins and segmented crimping between veins. The leaves are nearly round with cordate bases, measuring up to 19 inches (48.3 cm) long and 16 inches (40.6 cm) wide, with 18 to 20 vein pairs, glaucous bloom on both surfaces, and lightly wavy, intensely blue-green margins.

In the Garden

This cultivar forms a dense, fast-growing mound reaching 36 inches (91.4 cm) in height and 60 inches (152.4 cm) in diameter, making it suitable as a specimen or focal point in partial to full shade. Its substantial size and bold texture pair well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials that contrast with its blue-green coloration. Due to its large dimensions, it is not recommended for container cultivation.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in warmer climates, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While slugs and deer may occasionally feed on the foliage, the thick, corrugated leaves offer some resistance compared to smoother-leaved cultivars; typical hosta-growing zones are appropriate for this selection.