H. ‘Key West’

Overview

Registered in 1999, *Hosta* 'Key West' is a giant cultivar resulting from a cross between *H. nigrescens* 'Elatior' (pod parent) and *H.* 'High Noon' (pollen parent). It is visually distinctive for its large, cordate-based leaves that are green with greenish-yellow, slightly rippled margins, and for its upright, fast-growing habit.

In the Garden

'Key West' reaches a mature size of 29 inches (73.7 cm) in height and 45 inches (114.3 cm) in diameter, making it suitable as a specimen or background plant in partial to full shade. Its substantial leaves and upright form pair well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials. Due to its giant size, it is not recommended for container cultivation.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many large-leaved hostas, it may be susceptible to slug damage; monitor and manage as needed. It is hardy in typical hosta-growing zones.