H. ‘James Buchanan’

Overview

Registered in 2005 by H. Sugita and P. Ruh, *Hosta* 'James Buchanan' is a medium-sized cultivar distinguished by its green leaves with greenish-yellow, slightly rippled margins and a notably flat, cupped, and twisted appearance. The leaf blade is ovate with a cordate base, corrugated and folded, with a dull surface above and below, and the petiole is unusually thick.

In the Garden

This cultivar forms a slow-growing, mound-like clump reaching 28 inches (71.1 cm) in diameter and 10.5 inches (26.7 cm) in height, making it suitable for the middle of a shaded border or as a specimen in a woodland garden. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the gold margins remain distinct, and pairs well with ferns, *Heuchera*, or other shade-tolerant perennials. Its compact size and unusual leaf texture also suit container cultivation in typical hosta-growing zones.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, especially in dry spells, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage the foliage; monitor regularly and use appropriate controls if needed.