H. ‘Bill Modrak’

Overview

Registered in 2002, Hosta 'Bill Modrak' is a small, upright cultivar of unknown pollen parentage, with H. 'Regal Rhubarb' as its pod parent. It is visually distinctive for its asymmetrically elliptic leaves with heavily rippled, medium dark green margins and a slightly shiny upper surface, combined with burgundy-black cherry scapes and petioles that contrast strongly with the foliage.

In the Garden

Reaching 15 inches (38.1 cm) in height and 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter, 'Bill Modrak' is suited to the front of a border, rock garden, or container. Its moderate growth rate and compact size make it appropriate for partial shade to dappled light, typical of hosta-growing zones. The upright habit and tall scapes (30 to 34 inches, or 76.2 to 86.4 cm) allow it to pair well with lower-growing perennials such as Heuchera or ferns, where the dark scape color provides vertical interest.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, protect from deer and monitor for slug damage, particularly on the heavily rippled leaf margins.