H. ‘Duke’

Overview

Registered in 1988 by R. Savory, this large, variegated cultivar of unknown parentage forms a substantial mound of foliage. Its most distinctive feature is the combination of dark green leaf margins with a lighter center, borne on leaves measuring 12 inches (30.5 cm) long and 9 inches (22.9 cm) wide, with 13 pairs of veins.

In the Garden

'Hosta 'Duke' reaches a mature spread of 48 inches (121.9 cm) and a height of 32 inches (81.3 cm), making it suitable as a specimen or background plant in shaded borders. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the variegation remains stable, and pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials. Its large size makes it unsuitable for container culture.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in dry spells, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitoring and protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.