H. ‘El Dorado’

Overview

Registered in 2009 by K. Walek (AHS), 'El Dorado' is a giant hosta derived from a seedling of unknown parentage. Its most distinctive feature is the combination of blue-green leaf centers with medium to golden yellow margins, borne on heavily corrugated, broadly ovate leaves with a dull upper surface and glaucous bloom beneath.

In the Garden

'El Dorado' reaches a mature spread of 45 inches (114.3 cm) and a height of 20 inches (50.8 cm), with a semi-upright growth habit. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, where the gold margins remain stable without scorching. Its substantial size and bold leaf texture make it suitable as a specimen or accent plant in larger borders, paired with fine-textured ferns or dark-leaved heucheras. It is not recommended for container cultivation due to its giant stature.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most large-leaved hostas, it is susceptible to slug damage and may require management in damp conditions; deer also find it palatable.