H. ‘Big John’
Hosta ‘Big John’ is a registered cultivar () , 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.
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 | 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):
- H. ‘Niagara Falls’ (1991)
- H. ‘King James’ (1992)
- H. ‘Green Dragonet’ (1999)
- H. ‘Empress Wu’ (2008)
- H. ‘Armani’ (2015)
- H. ‘Big Sam’ (1986)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #492. How we check this data.