H. ‘Big John’

Hosta ‘Big John’ is a registered cultivar (1986) , originated by C. Owens.

Year registered	1986
Registrant	C. Owens
Section class	I-1 (Giant)

Overview

Registered in 1986 by C. Owens, *Hosta* 'Big John' is a giant blue-green cultivar resulting from a hybrid cross. It is visually distinctive for its exceptionally large, heavily textured leaves that reach 18 inches in length and 15 inches in width, with a glaucous bloom on the upper surface and dark green margins exhibiting slight undulations.

In the Garden

'Big John' forms a substantial clump 50 inches (127 cm) in diameter and 26 inches (66 cm) tall, making it suitable as a specimen or focal point in shaded to partially shaded borders. Its massive leaves pair well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials that contrast in texture or color. This cultivar is too large for container cultivation.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer precautions are recommended, as both pests may damage the broad foliage.

Size and leaf

Clump height	26 in (66 cm)
Clump width	50 in (127 cm)
Leaf length	18 in (45.7 cm)
Leaf width	15 in (38.1 cm)
Vein pairs	16
Leaf	dark green slight undulations margins; glaucous bloom on top
Flower scape height	32 in (81.3 cm)

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Big John’ as a parent:

H. ‘Chief White Cloud’ (seedling (pod parent))
H. ‘Godzilla’ (seedling (pod parent))
H. ‘Holy Toledo’ (seedling (pollen parent))
H. ‘T Rex’ (seedling (pollen parent))
H. ‘Valley's Ice Giant’ (seedling (pollen parent))

Similar cultivars

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

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #492