H. ‘Gunsmoke’
Hosta ‘Gunsmoke’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2000 |
|---|---|
| Section class | I-2 (Giant) |
Overview
Registered in 2000, 'Gunsmoke' is a giant hosta cultivar resulting from a cross between *Hosta* 'Sagae' (pod parent) and *Hosta* 'Grey Piecrust' (pollen parent). It is visually distinctive for its large, blue-green leaves with slightly rippled margins, a cordate base, and a glaucous bloom on the undersides, forming a substantial mound.
In the Garden
'Gunsmoke' reaches a mature diameter of 65 inches (165.1 cm) and a height of 30 inches (76.2 cm), making it suitable as a specimen plant or for the back of a shade border. It thrives in partial to full shade, typical of hosta-growing zones, and pairs well with ferns, *Heuchera*, and other shade-tolerant perennials. Its large size precludes container cultivation for most gardeners.
Care Notes
Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, especially during dry periods. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may feed on the foliage; monitor and manage as needed.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 30 in (76.2 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 65 in (165.1 cm) |
| Leaf length | 14 in (35.6 cm) |
| Leaf width | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 13 |
| Leaf | blue green slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; glaucous bloom underneath |
| Flower scape height | 36 in (91.4 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Sagae' — H. ‘Sagae’
- Pollen parent: H. 'Grey Piecrust' — H. ‘Grey Piecrust’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (I-2, giant size):
- H. ‘Big and Blue’ (2000)
- H. ‘Abiqua Elephant Ears’ (1999)
- H. ‘Hirao Zeus’ (1997)
- H. ‘Eola Sapphire’ (2004)
- H. ‘Cool Change’ (1995)
- H. ‘Gentle Giant’ (2005)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #2400