H. ‘Eleanor J. Reath’

Overview

Registered in 1986 by D. Reath, this giant blue-green hosta is a cross between *H. 'Frances Williams'* (pod parent) and *H. 'Elegans'* (pollen parent). It is visually distinctive for its very large, heavily textured leaves with blue-green coloration and a broad, irregular yellow margin that matures to cream.

In the Garden

'Helenor J. Reath' reaches a mature spread of 65 inches (165 cm) and a height of 30 inches (76 cm), making it suitable as a specimen or focal point in the shade garden. It performs best in partial to full shade and pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials. Its substantial size precludes container cultivation.

Care Notes

Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage foliage; monitor and manage as needed.