H. ‘Bennie McRae’

AI-generated watercolor illustration of Hosta 'Bennie McRae' (not a photograph)
AI-generated watercolor illustration by The Hosta Farm — not a photograph of this cultivar. How we use images

Hosta ‘Bennie McRae’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by N. Suggs.

Year registered1989
RegistrantN. Suggs
Section classIII-1 (Medium)

Overview

Registered in 1989 by N. Suggs, this medium-sized cultivar is a hybrid of Hosta plantaginea. 'Bennie McRae' is visually distinctive for its glossy, medium green leaves with undulated margins, borne on a substantial plant that reaches 24 inches (61.0 cm) in height and 30 inches (76.2 cm) in diameter.

In the Garden

'Bennie McRae' performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and forms a dense, rounded clump at maturity. Its medium size makes it suitable for mid-border positions or as a specimen in shaded beds, where its glossy foliage contrasts well with ferns, heucheras, and other fine-textured shade perennials. The plant's substantial leaf area and undulated margins provide textural interest throughout the growing season.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer precautions are advisable, as both pests may damage the foliage in typical hosta-growing zones.

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 height24 in (61 cm)
Clump width30 in (76.2 cm)
Leaf length11 in (27.9 cm)
Leaf width4.5 in (11.4 cm)
Vein pairs6
Leafmedium green undulated margins; glossy on top
Flower scape height60 in (152.4 cm)

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

  • Pod parent: Hybrid of H. plantaginea

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (III-1, medium size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #459. How we check this data.