H. ‘Big Top’
Hosta ‘Big Top’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2003 |
|---|---|
| Section class | I-2 (Giant) |
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.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 32 in (81.3 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 41 in (104.1 cm) |
| Leaf length | 14.75 in (37.5 cm) |
| Leaf width | 13.25 in (33.7 cm) |
| Leaf | dark blue green slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; glaucous bloom underneath; deeply corrugated and moderately cupped |
| Flower scape height | 33–35 in (83.8–88.9 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | upright; cupped; dark, glaucous leaves; heavy substance |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'William Lachman' — H. ‘William Lachman’
- Pollen parent: H. hypoleuca
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (I-2, giant size):
- H. ‘Eola Sapphire’ (2004)
- H. ‘Gentle Giant’ (2005)
- H. ‘Big and Blue’ (2000)
- H. ‘Abiqua Elephant Ears’ (1999)
- H. ‘Clear Fork River Valley’ (2007)
- H. ‘Creek’ (2007)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #503