H. ‘Big Old Bob’

Overview

Registered in 2005 with parentage from Hosta sieboldiana as seed parent and an unnamed seedling as pollen parent, 'Big Old Bob' is a giant, upright-growing cultivar distinguished by its large, heavily corrugated blue-green leaves with slightly rippled margins and a notably high production of flower scapes. The ovate leaves, measuring 33 cm in both length and width with 14 to 16 vein pairs, exhibit a slightly shiny upper surface and dull underside, with moderate twisting and waviness.

In the Garden

Reaching 76 cm in height and 152 cm in diameter with a moderate growth rate, 'Big Old Bob' performs best in partial to full shade typical of hosta-growing zones, where its substantial blue-green foliage provides strong textural contrast. The upright habit and abundant green scapes, which rise 91 to 99 cm, make this cultivar suitable as a specimen plant or as a bold accent in mixed shade borders, though its giant size precludes container cultivation. Companion plants should be chosen to complement its scale, such as ferns or larger shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most large-leaved hostas, monitor for slug damage, particularly in damp conditions, though the moderately corrugated leaf surface offers some natural resistance.