H. ‘Ginsu Knife’
Hosta ‘Ginsu Knife’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2002 |
|---|---|
| Section class | III-4b (Medium) |
Overview
Registered in 2002, *Hosta* 'Ginsu Knife' is a medium-sized hybrid (*H.* 'Iron Gate Supreme' × *H.* 'Green Fountain') distinguished by its intensely wavy, heavily rippled foliage with serrated, creamy white margins. The broadly lance-shaped leaves are medium green with a slightly shiny surface above and below, occasionally showing streaking in the leaf center.
In the Garden
This cultivar forms an upright, fountain-shaped clump reaching 28 inches (71 cm) in diameter and 14 inches (36 cm) in height, with a fast growth rate. The serrated, wavy margins and irregular white borders provide strong textural contrast, making it suitable for mid-border positions or as a specimen in shade gardens. It pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other shade-tolerant perennials in typical hosta-growing zones.
Care Notes
Plant in moist, well-drained soil with partial to full shade. Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. Monitor for slug damage, particularly on the new foliage, and provide supplemental water during dry periods to maintain leaf quality.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 14 in (35.6 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 28 in (71.1 cm) |
| Leaf length | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
| Leaf width | 4 in (10.2 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 6 |
| Leaf | medium green with some streaking of leaf center possible with .4 to .5in (1.0 to 1.3cm) wide, creamy white, heavily rippled and serrated margins; slightly shiny on top; slightly shiny underneath; moderately twisted and intensely wavy |
| Flower scape height | 32–34 in (81.3–86.4 cm) |
| Seasonal colour change | creamy edge becomes white |
| Notable characteristics | fountain shaped clump; very wavy, irregularly margined foliage; serrate margin |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Iron Gate Supreme' — H. ‘Iron Gate Supreme’
- Pollen parent: H. 'Green Fountain' — H. ‘Green Fountain’
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Ginsu Knife’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Ginsu Knife Supreme’ (sport)
- H. ‘Machete’ (sport)
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (III-4b, medium size):
- H. ‘El Niño’ (2003)
- H. ‘Lakeside Beloved’ (1999)
- H. ‘Applause’ (2006)
- H. ‘Aristocrat’ (1997)
- H. ‘Quiet Waters’ (2008)
- H. ‘Oshima Silk’ (2009)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #2079