H. ‘Carved Complexity’

Overview

Registered in 2014, 'Carved Complexity' is a giant hosta cultivar bred from a complex lineage: (Lakeside seedling × *H.* 'Komodo Dragon') as pod parent and (*H.* 'Maekawa' × *H.* 'Choo Choo Train') as pollen parent. It is visually distinctive for its large, blue-green leaves with gold margins, which emerge in early spring with a very large, upright form and a light greenish yellow cast with a light glaucous bloom on the upper surface, while the leaf undersides are intensely white.

In the Garden

This cultivar reaches 60 inches (152.4 cm) in diameter and 28 inches (71.1 cm) in height, with an upright habit and moderate growth rate. It is best suited to partial to full shade, as is typical for hostas, and performs well as a specimen or focal point in woodland gardens and mixed borders due to its substantial size. Its large, broadly ovate leaves with cordate bases and lightly wavy, corrugated texture provide a strong textural contrast when paired with ferns, heucheras, or fine-textured shade perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage the foliage, so monitoring and appropriate deterrents are recommended in areas where these pests are prevalent.