H. ‘Jim Watkins’

Overview

Registered in 2004, *Hosta* 'Jim Watkins' is a large, slow-growing cultivar derived from a cross between *Hosta* 'Love Pat' and an unnamed seedling. It is visually distinctive for its heavily puckered and crinkled blue-green leaves with slightly rippled margins, combined with white flowers that encircle the scape and exhibit a longer-than-typical blooming period.

In the Garden

'Jim Watkins' forms a dense, mound-like clump reaching 42 inches (107 cm) in diameter and 19 inches (48 cm) in height, making it suitable as a specimen or accent in partial to full shade. Its substantial, cupped leaves pair well with ferns, astilbes, or other shade-tolerant perennials that contrast in texture or color. Due to its slow growth and large mature size, it is not recommended for small containers but can anchor a woodland border or shaded bed.

Care Notes

Plant in well-drained, organically rich soil and water consistently to establish a deep root system. Fertilize lightly in early spring as growth emerges; slug and deer damage may occur in typical hosta-growing zones, so monitor and apply controls as needed.