H. ‘Big Sam’
Hosta ‘Big Sam’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by M. Klopping & AHS.
| Year registered | 1986 |
|---|---|
| Registrant | M. Klopping & AHS |
| Section class | I-1 (Giant) |
Overview
Registered in 1986 by M. Klopping and the American Hosta Society, 'Big Sam' is a giant variegated hosta of unknown parentage. It is distinguished by its large, dark green leaves with slight undulation at the margins, forming a substantial mound.
In the Garden
'Big Sam' reaches a mature diameter of 48 inches (121.9 cm) and a height of 36 inches (91.4 cm), making it suitable for use as a specimen plant or as a bold accent in shaded borders. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its foliage remains most consistent, and pairs well with other shade-tolerant perennials such as ferns, astilbes, and heucheras. Its large size precludes container cultivation for most settings.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with many large-leaved hostas, slug and deer damage may occur and should be managed through appropriate barriers or deterrents.
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 | 36 in (91.4 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 48 in (121.9 cm) |
| Leaf length | 14 in (35.6 cm) |
| Leaf width | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 14 |
| Leaf | dark green slight undulations margins |
| Flower scape height | 36 in (91.4 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Big Sam’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Fernwood’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Mikado’ (seedling (pollen parent))
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (I-1, giant size):
- H. ‘King James’ (1992)
- H. ‘Green Dragonet’ (1999)
- H. ‘Empress Wu’ (2008)
- H. ‘Armani’ (2015)
- H. ‘Big John’ (1986)
- H. ‘Birchwood Elegance’ (1986)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #500. How we check this data.