H. ‘Duke’
Hosta ‘Duke’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by R. Savory.
| Year registered | 1988 |
|---|---|
| Registrant | R. Savory |
| Section class | II-1 (Large) |
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.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 32 in (81.3 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 48 in (121.9 cm) |
| Leaf length | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
| Leaf width | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 13 |
| Flower scape height | 48 in (121.9 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-1, large size):
- H. ‘Nakaimo’ (1986)
- H. ‘Pioneer’ (1984)
- H. ‘Willy Nilly’ (1996)
- H. ‘Tracy's Emerald Cup’ (1997)
- H. ‘Colossal’ (1977)
- H. ‘Foxfire Irish Moon’ (2003)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #1532