H. ‘Black Thunder’

Overview

A sport of *Hosta* 'George M. Dallas' registered by M. Zilis in 2014, 'Black Thunder' is a medium-sized cultivar distinguished by its blue-green leaves with wide, creamy white margins that contrast sharply with a dark green, flat edge. The leaf center emerges golden yellow and matures to creamy white, while the foliage exhibits a slightly shiny upper surface and glaucous bloom beneath.

In the Garden

'Black Thunder' forms a slow-growing, mound-like clump reaching approximately 20 inches (50.8 cm) in height and 40 inches (101.6 cm) in diameter, making it suitable for mid-border positions or as a specimen in partial to full shade. Its ovate, lightly wavy and corrugated leaves, each 9 inches (22.9 cm) long and 6 inches (15.2 cm) wide with 11 vein pairs, pair well with ferns, *Heuchera*, or other shade-tolerant perennials that complement its cool blue-green tones. The scape height is recorded as 23 inches (58.4 cm), though flower details are not specified.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Black Thunder' is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones, and its slow growth rate benefits from minimal disturbance.