H. ‘Black Beauty’
Hosta ‘Black Beauty’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by K. Carpenter.
| Year registered | 1984 |
|---|---|
| Registrant | K. Carpenter |
| Section class | II-1 (Large) |
Overview
Registered in 1984 by K. Carpenter, this large hybrid of Hosta 'Green Piecrust' is distinguished by its variegated foliage: very dark green margins frame a lighter leaf center, creating strong contrast. The cordate leaves measure 10 inches (25.4 cm) long by 9 inches (22.9 cm) wide, with 13 to 14 vein pairs.
In the Garden
'Hosta 'Black Beauty' forms a substantial clump 36 inches (91.4 cm) in diameter and 24 inches (61.0 cm) tall, with scapes reaching 32 inches (81.3 cm). It performs best in partial to full shade, as is typical for hostas, and its large size makes it suitable as a specimen or for the middle to back of shaded borders. It pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs may damage the foliage, and deer will browse the leaves, so protective measures are advisable in areas where these pests are prevalent.
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 | 24 in (61 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 36 in (91.4 cm) |
| Leaf length | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
| Leaf width | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 14 |
| Flower scape height | 32 in (81.3 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: Hybrid of H. 'Green Piecrust' — H. ‘Green Piecrust’
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Black Beauty’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Lakeside Cup Up’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Nippers’ (seedling (pollen parent))
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-1, large size):
- H. ‘Pioneer’ (1984)
- H. ‘Nakaimo’ (1986)
- H. ‘Willy Nilly’ (1996)
- H. ‘Foxfire Irish Moon’ (2003)
- H. ‘Circus Clown’ (1983)
- H. ‘Fountain’ (1983)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #537. How we check this data.