H. ‘James River’
Hosta ‘James River’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-1 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2005, *Hosta* 'James River' is a small, mound-forming cultivar of unknown pollen parentage, with *H.* 'Pin Stripe Sister' as the pod parent. It is visually distinctive for its ovate leaves with medium green margins and very shiny upper surfaces, combined with purple petioles and moderately wavy leaf margins.
In the Garden
Reaching approximately 11 inches (27.9 cm) in height and 33 inches (83.8 cm) in diameter, 'James River' forms a moderate-growing, dense mound suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container culture. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of hosta-growing zones, and pairs well with other small hostas, ferns, or shade-tolerant groundcovers. Its compact size and shiny foliage make it an effective edging plant.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 11 in (27.9 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 33 in (83.8 cm) |
| Leaf length | 7.25 in (18.4 cm) |
| Leaf width | 3.5 in (8.9 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 8 |
| Leaf | very shiny on top; shiny underneath; moderately wavy |
| Flower scape height | 28 in (71.1 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | shiny green, wavy with purple petioles |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Pin Stripe Sister' — H. ‘Pin Stripe Sister’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-1, small size):
- H. ‘Almost’ (2005)
- H. ‘Midnight Ride’ (2004)
- H. ‘Nellie Grey’ (2002)
- H. ‘Devil's Poker’ (2009)
- H. ‘Black and Blue’ (2010)
- H. ‘Kokuryu’ (2000)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #2822