H. ‘Big Fella’

Overview

Registered in 2012, this giant hosta cultivar was developed from a cross between *H. 'Fort Knox'* (pod parent) and *H. 'Mississippi Delta'* (pollen parent). 'Big Fella' is visually distinctive for its upright, vigorous habit and medium blue-green foliage that retains its color well into early August, a notable trait among blue-leaved hostas.

In the Garden

'Big Fella' forms a substantial clump reaching 32 inches (81.3 cm) in both height and diameter, with scapes rising 40 to 50 inches (101.6 to 127.0 cm) above the foliage. It performs best in partial to full shade, as is typical for blue-green hostas, where the leaf color remains truest. The plant's fast growth rate and large, broadly ovate leaves with cordate bases and slightly rippled margins make it suitable as a specimen or background plant in woodland gardens and shade borders; its size precludes container cultivation.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in spring when leaves are expanding. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most large-leaved hostas, slug and deer damage may occur and should be managed preventatively in gardens where these pests are present.