H. ‘Big Top’

Overview

Registered in 2003, 'Big Top' is a giant hosta cultivar resulting from a cross between *Hosta* 'William Lachman' and *Hosta hypoleuca*. It is distinguished by its upright, deeply corrugated, dark blue-green leaves that are broadly ovate with cordate bases, moderately cupped, and bear a glaucous bloom on the undersides.

In the Garden

'Big Top' reaches a mature diameter of 41 inches (104.1 cm) and a height of 32 inches (81.3 cm), with scapes rising 33 to 35 inches (83.8 to 88.9 cm). Its heavy substance and upright habit make it suitable for partially shaded borders or woodland gardens, where its large, textured leaves provide a bold focal point. Given its substantial size, it is best planted as a specimen or in groups with ample spacing, and it pairs well with ferns or other shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. The thick, glaucous leaves offer some resistance to slugs, though monitoring may still be needed in damp conditions; deer may browse the foliage in typical hosta-growing zones.