H. ‘Happily Ever After’
Hosta ‘Happily Ever After’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by J. Wilkins.
| Year registered | 2002 |
|---|---|
| Originator | J. Wilkins |
| Section class | II-5b (Large) |
Overview
Registered in 2002 by J. Wilkins, this large hosta is a sport of *Hosta* 'Once Upon a Time'. It is visually distinguished by its broadly ovate, blue-green leaves with narrow (0.5 cm), golden yellow, heavily rippled margins, a glaucous bloom on the undersides, and a moderately twisted, lightly corrugated surface.
In the Garden
'Happily Ever After' forms a dense, mound-like clump reaching 28 inches (71.1 cm) in diameter and 14 inches (35.6 cm) in height, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for blue-leaved hostas, where its leaf color holds best. Its substantial leaf substance and rippled edges make it a strong textural presence in shaded borders or woodland gardens; it pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials.
Care Notes
Water regularly to establish and during dry periods; apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The heavy leaf substance provides some resistance to slugs, though standard slug control measures may still be needed in damp conditions. Deer may browse the foliage.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 14 in (35.6 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 28 in (71.1 cm) |
| Leaf length | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
| Leaf width | 7.5 in (19.1 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 11 |
| Leaf | medium blue green with .2in (0.5cm) wide, golden yellow, heavily rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; glaucous bloom underneath; moderately twisted. Lightly corrugated and flat |
| Flower scape height | 18–24 in (45.7–61.0 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | heavy substance; rippled edge |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Once Upon a Time' — H. ‘Once upon a Time’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-5b, large size):
- H. ‘Afternoon Delight’ (2003)
- H. ‘Arc de Triomphe’ (2000)
- H. ‘Band of Gold’ (1999)
- H. ‘Blue River’ (1998)
- H. ‘Yellow Flash’ (1997)
- H. ‘August Beauty’ (2009)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #2440