H. ‘Julia Hardy’
Hosta ‘Julia Hardy’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by P. Aden.
| Year registered | 1978 |
|---|---|
| Registrant | P. Aden |
| Section class | I-2 (Giant) |
Overview
Registered in 1978 by P. Aden, this giant blue-green hosta resulted from crossing *H. 'Tokudama'* (pod parent) with *H. 'Big Mama'* (pollen parent). The cultivar is distinguished by its exceptionally large, heavily textured blue-green leaves with distinct blue margins, forming a substantial mound.
In the Garden
With a mature spread of 48 inches (121.9 cm) and height of 36 inches (91.4 cm), 'Julia Hardy' commands significant space in the landscape. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for blue-leaved hostas, and pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials that complement its bold foliage. The substantial leaf size—12 inches (30.5 cm) long by 10 inches (25.4 cm) wide with 14 vein pairs—makes it effective as a specimen plant or in massed groupings.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, particularly during establishment, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most large-leaved hostas, it is susceptible to slug damage and may require protection in areas with high deer pressure.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 36 in (91.4 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 48 in (121.9 cm) |
| Leaf length | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
| Leaf width | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 14 |
| Flower scape height | 38 in (96.5 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Tokudama'
- Pollen parent: H. 'Big Mama' — H. ‘Big Mama’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (I-2, giant size):
- H. ‘Big Daddy’ (1978)
- H. ‘Big Mama’ (1978)
- H. ‘Blue Umbrellas’ (1978)
- H. ‘Krossa Regal’ (1980)
- H. ‘Helen Doriot’ (1982)
- H. ‘Great Lakes’ (1973)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #2932