H. ‘John Diamond’

Overview

Registered in 2009 from seedling parents, *Hosta* 'John Diamond' is a medium-sized cultivar distinguished by its nearly round, dark green leaves with slightly rippled margins and a light yellow to creamy white center variegation. The leaves are thick, slightly shiny above and dull beneath, with 10 to 14 vein pairs, and exhibit light cupping, twisting, folding, and corrugation.

In the Garden

'John Diamond' forms a mound-like clump 14 inches (35.6 cm) tall and 32 inches (81.3 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, where its thick leaves resist slug damage and disease. The upright, green scapes reach 24 to 28 inches (61.0 to 71.1 cm) and bear showy flowers, making it suitable for mid-border positions or as a specimen in shade gardens, paired with ferns or other shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain even moisture, especially during dry spells, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. The cultivar's noted slug and disease resistance reduces maintenance needs, though standard deer precautions remain advisable in areas with high deer pressure.