H. ‘Bows and Arrows’

Overview

Registered in 2002, 'Bows and Arrows' is a large hosta cultivar resulting from a cross between a *Hosta* 'Dorothy Benedict' seedling and *Hosta* 'Maekawa'. It is visually distinctive for its medium green, arrowhead-shaped leaves that bear unstable streaks of light green, greenish yellow, yellow, and creamy white along slightly rippled margins, with a glaucous bloom on the undersides.

In the Garden

This cultivar forms an upright, moderate-growing clump reaching approximately 29 inches (73.7 cm) in height and 35 inches (88.9 cm) in diameter. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its blue-green base color and variegated margins remain most stable. Its large, heavily corrugated leaves and prominent veining make it a strong textural contrast alongside finer-leaved perennials such as ferns or *Heuchera*. It is not well suited to container cultivation due to its mature size.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may cause damage to foliage; monitor and manage as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.