H. ‘Forever Young’
Hosta ‘Forever Young’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by M. Zilis.
| Year registered | 2016 |
|---|---|
| Originator | M. Zilis |
| Section class | II-1 (Large) |
Overview
Registered in 2016 by M. Zilis, this large cultivar (48 in / 121.9 cm diameter, 28 in / 71.1 cm high) results from a cross between Hosta 'Lily Pad' and Hosta 'Rosedale Doughboy'. It is distinguished by its very dark green, heavily rippled leaf margins, a high-gloss upper surface, and a broadly ovate leaf shape with a cordate base. The leaves measure 12 in (30.5 cm) long and 9 in (22.9 cm) wide, with 10 vein pairs, and exhibit moderate twisting and waviness overall.
In the Garden
'Forever Young' performs best in partial to full shade, typical of most hostas, where its dark foliage contrasts well with lighter-leaved plants such as ferns or Heuchera. Its upright growth habit and tall petioles make it suitable for mid-border positions or as a specimen in woodland gardens. The plant’s large mature size (approximately 4 ft in diameter) requires ample spacing for full development.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture during the growing season; apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While slug resistance is not documented, the thick, heavily rippled leaves may offer some deterrence; standard deer precautions are advisable in areas where browsing is common.
This summary was generated with AI from the registry record and has not been reviewed yet; the registry data on this page is the reference. How we use AI.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 28 in (71.1 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 48 in (121.9 cm) |
| Leaf length | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
| Leaf width | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 10 |
| Leaf | dark green heavily rippled margins; very shiny on top; dull underneath; moderately twisted and wavy overall. |
| Flower scape height | 40–50 in (101.6–127.0 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | Deeply veined, wavy-edged, very dark green leaves held on tall petioles. |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Lily Pad' — H. ‘Lily Pad’
- Pollen parent: H. 'Rosedale Doughboy'
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-1, large size):
- H. ‘Aphrodite’ (2009)
- H. ‘Foxfire Irish Moon’ (2003)
- H. ‘Willy Nilly’ (1996)
- H. ‘Nakaimo’ (1986)
- H. ‘Pioneer’ (1984)
- H. ‘Baiyu’ (2016)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #1850. How we check this data.