H. ‘Black Thunder’
Hosta ‘Black Thunder’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by M. Zilis.
| Year registered | 2014 |
|---|---|
| Originator | M. Zilis |
| Section class | III-6a (Medium) |
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.
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 | 20 in (50.8 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 40 in (101.6 cm) |
| Leaf length | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
| Leaf width | 6 in (15.2 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 11 |
| Leaf | creamy white with .5in (1.3cm) wide, dark green, flat margins; slightly shiny on top; glaucous bloom underneath; lightly wavy, lightly corrugated |
| Flower scape height | 23 in (58.4 cm) |
| Seasonal colour change | golden yellow changes to creamy white |
| Notable characteristics | dark green margin contrasts with the golden yellow center that change to creamy white, pointed leaves |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'George M. Dallas' — H. ‘George M. Dallas’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (III-6a, medium size):
- H. ‘Proud Peacock’ (2016)
- H. ‘Guacamole’ (1994)
- H. ‘Ivory Queen’ (2014)
- H. ‘Light My Fire’ (2014)
- H. ‘Simply Irresistible’ (2014)
- H. ‘Burlesque’ (2015)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #543. How we check this data.