H. ‘Dark Ages’
Hosta ‘Dark Ages’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-1 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2004, *Hosta* 'Dark Ages' is a small-sized cultivar of unknown parentage, with *H.* 'Dark Nebula' as its seed parent. It is visually distinctive for its nearly round, heavily puckered blue-green leaves with a glaucous bloom, dark green flat margins, and moderate cupping, set on dark green scapes.
In the Garden
'Dark Ages' forms a dense, mound-like clump reaching 15 inches (38.1 cm) in height and 30 inches (76.2 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of most hostas, and its compact size makes it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container plantings. Companion plants include ferns, *Heuchera*, and small shade-tolerant perennials that contrast with its blue-green foliage.
Care Notes
Water regularly during dry periods, especially in containers, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While 'Dark Ages' has heavy leaf substance that may deter some slugs, standard slug control measures are advisable in damp conditions; deer may browse the foliage.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 15 in (38.1 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 30 in (76.2 cm) |
| Leaf length | 6 in (15.2 cm) |
| Leaf width | 4.75 in (12.1 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 9 |
| Leaf | dark green flat margins; glaucous bloom on top; dull underneath; and moderately cupped |
| Flower scape height | 15 in (38.1 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | dark green, heavy substance, puckered |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Dark Nebula' — H. ‘Dark Nebula’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-1, small size):
- H. ‘Midnight Ride’ (2004)
- H. ‘Almost’ (2005)
- H. ‘Nellie Grey’ (2002)
- H. ‘Kokuryu’ (2000)
- H. ‘Devil's Poker’ (2009)
- H. ‘Black and Blue’ (2010)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #1352